Officers from the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and Queensland Police Service (QPS) found more than they expected when they raided the properties of a Queensland man as part of a joint Taskforce Venator drug trafficking investigation.
While most traffickers tend to specialise in one drug—or at least handle one type at a time—the 50-year-old had almost 20 kilograms of a variety of drugs, as well as ammunition and fireworks, inside a commercial premises in Newstead.
The AFP and QPS found 15.9 kilograms of methamphetamines, 2.4 kilograms of cocaine, 1.5 kilograms of heroin, and 200 rounds of 9 mm ammunition, along with fireworks, all stored at the property to which he allegedly had access.
But investigators also located a small amount of anabolic steroids and items consistent with the packaging and distribution of drugs.
As a result of his Aladdin’s cave of contraband, the man now faces four charges of possessing a dangerous drug, and one count each of trafficking, possessing things in connection with the commission of a crime, possessing explosives, and failing to provide the information officers needed to access a digital device.
Taskforce’s Efforts Will Continue
AFP Detective Inspector Tim Puchala said Taskforce Venator was dedicated to “preventing drugs entering the Australian community and causing widespread harm.
“Even in small amounts, drugs cause immense harm to users, their loved ones, and the community around them, through the impact on the health care system and associated crime.”
“This result is another example of our commitment to combating organised crime and associated criminal activity and protecting the community from the harm they cause,” he said.
While drug possession is uniformly illegal across all Australian states and territories, the laws on fireworks vary. Some areas permit public possession and use at certain times, such as the Northern Territory, the ACT, and Tasmania. Other states prohibit them entirely, except for use by professional pyrotechnicians.
