Operation Konopie: South Burnett drug operation dismantled by detectives

A South Burnett man has faced court and more than 50 others facing 400+ charges as police bust an alleged meth dealing ring, seizing drugs and weapons. SEE THE VIDEO

Further arrests have been made as part of a major police operation to smash the meth trade in the Burnett.

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

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

As part of the operation closure, investigators yesterday executed a search warrant at a Tarong property.

During the search of the Tanduringie Drive residence police allegedly located and seized quantities of drugs including methylamphetamine, two firearms and two replica guns, ammunition, and cash.

Tarong man Shane David Richards was charged with 62 offences including 50 counts of supplying dangerous drugs, and one count of trafficking dangerous drugs and receiving or possessing property obtained from trafficking or supplying and other related offences.

The 50-year-old appeared briefly in Murgon Magistrates Court where his case was adjourned to November 23.

Police will allege he supplied more than $20,0000 of ice amphetamine over a five- month period in the South Burnett.

Detective Acting Inspector Renee Garske said the results reinforce QPS’ ongoing commitment to disrupting and dismantling drug supply

“Community information and collaboration between regional and specialist officers has been vital to the success of this operation,” Insp Garske said.

“Operation Konopie has removed drugs and weapons from the streets, making the community of South Burnett safer.”

Operation Konopie has already seen two Mundubbera women charged with more than 140 charges of supplying drugs between them.

Mele Lineti Sanipepa Cross and Kirsty Evelyn Mcleish were both charged earlier this month and are on bail awaiting their next hearings at Maryborough Magistrates Court on January 24.