Police searches target bikie drug networks

POLICE executed a series of search warrants today in the Sunshine Coast District targeting bikie drug distribution networks. Detectives from Taskforce Maxima and the Sunshine Coast Gangs Squad executed six search warrants at addresses in the Coolum, Yandina, Maroochydore, Mountain Creek and Castaways Beach areas. Police said the searches resulted in the location of cannabis, methyl-amphetamines, $3,900 cash and drug paraphernalia. As a result, Police took action against nine people on 29 charges including supplying dangerous drugs, possession of dangerous drugs, possession of property used in a crime, stealing and a return to prison warrant. Detective Acting Superintendent Brendan Smith of Task Force Maxima said the results were an example of how Taskforce Maxima and Regional detectives work together to disrupt the networks of criminal gangs. "Everyday we continue to find evidence of these networks being used to distribute dangerous drugs within the Queensland community," Detective Acting Superintendent Smith said. "Illicit drug distribution has far reaching consequences within the community, including the links to property crime and the impost on the health system. "Accordingly, Task Force Maxima and the QPS will use every available resource to target criminal gangs and their networks; we will target them for any form of criminal activity, anywhere in Queensland."