Media Release
Multi-agency maritime operation, Mooloolaba
Operation Hotel Abloom, a three day multi-agency operation targeting drug and other illegal activity on commercial and recreational fishing vessels commenced on Friday at Mooloolaba Harbour and concluded yesterday afternoon in the oceans of the Sunshine Coast.
Queensland Police participated in the operation with the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service, Australian Federal Police and the Australian Crime Commission.
The operation targeted criminal activity including; firearms and other prohibited items, fishery and related offences, and being in charge of vessels whilst under the influence of drugs, drug haulage among fishing fleets, and drug use by crew members.
Multi-agency boarding teams consisting of members of the QPS and Customs and Border Protection boarded and searched a total of 72 fishing and recreational vessels during the three day operation resulting in ten people charged with 11 offences (10 drug offences and 1 firearm offence) and the issuing of 21 Marine Infringement Notices.
Phase one of the operation was conducted at Mooloolaba Harbour on Friday where seven moored fishing vessels were boarded.
As a result Queensland Police charged three men with possession of a drug utensil and one man with possession of a dangerous drug (cannabis). The men, two Buddina men aged 22 and 27, a 29-year-old from Mooloolaba and a 17-year-old from Maroochydore are due to appear in court at a later date.
Police also issued three Maritime Infringement Notices for fail to have proper safety equipment, fail to have prescribed documents and fail to display registration.
Operations conducted on Saturday and Sunday covered a sea zone stretching from Sandy Cape to Cape Moreton and out to the 200 nautical mile limit.
65 vessels were intercepted and inspected during this phase of the operation resulting in six people being charged with six drug offences and one firearm offence.
Approximately 70 personnel, including QPS and Customs and Border Protection drug and explosive detection dog teams took part in the operation.
Acting Regional Crime Coorinator, Acting Detective Superintendent Dave Drinnen said it was a well coordinated and successful multi-agency operation.
"The coordination and deployment of a large number of resources, including personnel, land and sea assets, by a number of agencies, require very detailed planning and cooperation.
“This operation ran very smoothly and all involved in the planning and execution should be commended for their efforts,” he said.
Media Note:
Superintendent Dave Drinnen, District Officer, Sunshine Coast will be available for media comment today at 1pm, outside Maroocydore Police Station, Cornmeal Parade, Maroochydore
07 3015 2444
