Keith Middleton, Shane Richards appear in Murgon court on drug supply charges

Two men charged with more than 150 counts of supplying meth as part of a massive Burnett syndicate have been brought back before the courts. These are the latest developments.

Two men accused of being members of a massive Burnett drug syndicate have appeared in court again as their cases move forward.

Keith Norman Middleton, 23, had his matter mentioned in Murgon Magistrates Court this week been charged with drug trafficking and 101 counts of supplying dangerous drugs.

His co-accused Shane David Richards faces 62 charges including drug trafficking, receiving or possessing property obtained from trafficking or supplying, and 50 counts of supplying dangerous drugs.

Mr Richards was arrested in November last year when police raided a Tarong property, where they seized drugs including methamphetamines, two firearms and two replica guns, ammunition, and cash.

Police will allege the 50-year-old supplied more than 60 grams of meth to 14 people and pocketed “in excess of $20,000”.

Mr Middleton is also facing a slew of unrelated driving and traffic charges.

He appeared before the Murgon court via videolink, with defence lawyer Jay Rose requesting a further adjournment to allow for the completion of a mental health assessment.

“There was a short update prepared and released to the parties yesterday. It indicated at least another four weeks was required,” Ms Rose said.

Mr Middleton’s case was adjourned to March 29.

Mr Richards’ matter will next be mentioned in the Murgon court on March 15.

Both men will be remanded in custody.

The five-month Operation Konopie targeted drug supply across Murgon, Cherbourg, Nanango, Kingaroy, Gayndah, and Mundubbera.

Murgon detectives charged a total of 57 people with 404 charges and seized firearms and drugs following the closure of the operation targeting the supply of methylamphetamine in the Burnett.

Mundubbera women Mele Sanipepa Cross and Kirsty Evelyn McLeish were also charged at the close of the major operation, with the pair now facing more than 140 charges between them.

Their matters have since been transferred to the Maryborough courts.