Media Release
Thirteen charged in Longreach drug operation
Police have today closed an operation which they believe has significantly reduced the availability of drugs in the Longreach area.
Officers from the local area assisted by members of the State Crime Operations Command State Drug Investigation Unit closed Operation Hotel Agate, a four-month joint operation targeting the use and distribution of drugs in the Longreach area.
This morning, officers executed 16 search warrants on addresses across Longreach. The raids resulted in the seizure of dangerous drugs, drug paraphernalia and stolen property.
As a result of this investigation 13 people have been charged with 51 offences including trafficking, supply, possession of dangerous drugs and a number of property related offences.
Among the 13, a 30-year-old Longreach woman has been charged with trafficking of dangerous drugs and has been remanded in custody. The remaining 12 will appear in Longreach Magistrates court on July 7.
Inspector Lyle Mitchell, Longreach District Officer said, “the operation was a major success and a step forward in fighting the illegal drug trade in the central west”.
“The co-operation between police in the Longreach District, the Central Region and the State Crime Operations Command was instrumental in the success of the operation,” Inspector Mitchell said.
Detective Inspector Wacker, Central Police Region Crime Coordinator said, “the success of this operation will certainly impact on the availability of drugs in the Longreach area and operations of this nature will continue to be conducted”.
Anyone with information which could assist police with their investigations should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
07 3015 2444
