Roma police investigation allegedly uncovers massive drug trafficking operation

A comprehensive, months-long police operation has uncovered a web of alleged drug-related offending across several Roma addresses.

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Roma police have revealed the outcome of a massive drug operation spanning across six months which has identified a number of alleged serious drug traffickers and suppliers.

Operation Victor Knighthood commenced in April 2023 and was tasked with uncovering serious drug-related offending in the Roma township.

The investigation came to a head on October 19 when police officers executed a number of search warrants at Roma addresses and allegedly located drug items and arrested a series of alleged offenders.

Roma Police officer-in-charge Senior Sergeant Duane Frank said he was pleased to reveal the significant outcomes of the investigation, which included five people being charged with a total of 128 drug-related crimes.

A 22-year-old Roma man was charged with 101 offences including trafficking dangerous drugs (cocaine and cannabis), eight counts of supplying dangerous drugs (cannabis, cocaine and LSD), possessing property suspected of being proceeds of drugs, producing dangerous drugs, possessing drugs, possessing things used in the commission of a crime, possessing drug utensils and permitting a place to be used for drug use.

Police will allege in excess of $7000 cash was located at the man’s address during a search warrant, where they will also allege to have found a large quantity of items used for making dangerous drugs including gel capsules, grinders, scales and clip seal bags.

Police also located quantities of tablets and powers, a significant amount of vapes and a sizeable quantity of prescription medication not belonging to the 22-year-old man.

A 24-year-old Roma man has been charged with 20 drug-related offences including 17 counts of supplying dangerous drugs, producing dangerous drugs and possessing drugs utensils.

Another 22-year-old Roma man has been charged with four drug-related offences including possessing dangerous drugs and possessing drug utensils.

Roma Police officer-in-charge Senior Sergeant Duane Frank warns drug offenders they will be located and brought to justice.

Another 24-year-old Roma man has been charged with drug offences including possessing dangerous drugs and possessing property suspected of being involved in drug offences.

A 23-year-old Roma man has been charged with possessing dangerous drugs, with police alleging he had a quantity of cocaine.

All six men were arrested and charged and are due to appear in Roma Magistrates Court on November 15.

Senior Sergeant Frank said police will also allege the overall criminal behaviour included obtaining prescription medicinal cannabis and then on-selling to others.

“This outcome has come about from very good, thorough extended police investigations and information from the community,” Senior Sergeant Frank said.

“The police investigation has included seizure of a number of offenders’ mobile phones, where police have downloaded and interrogated those phones to gather evidence of drug-related offences.

“We are serious about drug-related offending. We will gather the evidence and the results here speak for themselves, with targeted action against a number of local drug offenders.

“This is a clear example of a great outcome that can come from a thorough investigation and taking immediate action.

“This is a concern to police, the offences of trafficking and supplying of dangerous drugs.

“Our message to would be drug suppliers is simple: ‘if you want to commit drug offences in our community, expect a visit’.

“It’s an issue for the community that these offenders are willing to supply drugs for their own financial benefit.

“There’s no consideration for what they’re doing to those people and the community. Police will continue to act where necessary.

“The Roma community should be reminded that if they are aware of drug activity or believe if something is not right, to contact police or crime stoppers.”