Dete
ctives from the Wide Bay – Burnett District and Taskforce Maxima have executed a series of early morning search warrants in the Bundaberg / Childers region.
Police allege the searches were targeting the drug distribution networks of Criminal Motor Cycle gangs and the unlawful activities of those involved in the tattoo industry.
These actions saw the execution of six search warrants at addresses in the Bundaberg, Childers, Apple Tree and Avondale areas, including a tattoo business in Childers.
Police allegedly located two unlicensed handguns and two rifle, cannabis, steroids, ecstasy, MHDA, synthetic amphetamines, steroidal agents, $11,000 cash and drug paraphernalia.
As a result enforcement action was taken against nine people on 22 charges including import a controlled substance, possession of dangerous drugs, possession of unlicensed handguns and two rifles.
Detective Inspector Brendan Smith of Taskforce Maxima said: “This is another great example of how Taskforce Maxima and regional detectives work together to disrupt the networks of Criminal Gangs. We will be relentless in our efforts because every weapon and every cache of drugs we take off the street is a win for the Queensland community.
“The location of steroids, ecstasy, MHDA, synthetic amphetamines and other steroidal agents in possession of people operating a tattoo business provides a clear example of the behavior the new legislation (Tattoo Parlors Act 2013) is designed to drive from the industry.
“Taskforce Maxima and the Queensland Police Service 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.
“These actions clearly reflect the Queensland Police Service continuing commitment to disrupting the criminal activities of these gangs.”
