Six charged after federal police seize hundreds of kilograms of drugs

Six individuals have been charged by federal police in Queensland, Australia, following the seizure of hundreds of kilograms of illicit drugs. The charges stem from an alleged plot to distribute cocaine and methamphetamine that was imported into the state.

The Queensland Joint Organised Crime Taskforce executed multiple search warrants as part of 'Operation Minjiang,' successfully confiscating 178 kilograms of cocaine and 142 kilograms of methamphetamine. The operation commenced in May after an initial discovery of 40 kilograms of cocaine at a boat ramp in north Queensland. Authorities also identified and detained an alleged mothership with the assistance of Solomon Islands authorities.

Police have charged six people so far and indicated that further arrests are expected as the investigation progresses. One of the accused, a 41-year-old man from Mackay, faces charges related to attempting to possess a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug and allegedly facilitating the collection and transport of the seized substances.

Searches of suspected safe houses in Brisbane uncovered additional drugs and paraphernalia. A 32-year-old man was charged with drug possession and dealing with proceeds of crime, allegedly storing drugs for an organization. Other individuals were arrested and charged with possessing commercial quantities of unlawfully imported drugs, with evidence pointing to a van containing the large cocaine and methamphetamine haul found at a Mount Cotton property.