Alleged Sunshine Coast drug trafficking ring smashed by police

More details have emerged after an alleged Sunshine Coast drug trafficking was smashed by a targeted police operation with some of the alleged main players revealed.

The names and charges of several people allegedly involved in a drug-trafficking ring have emerged following the closure of a targeted police drug operation on the Sunshine Coast.

Up to 18 people were arrested after a police task force smashed an alleged syndicate led by organised crime groups.

Operation Tango Birch, involving detectives from the Sunshine Coast and specialists from Crime and Intelligence Command’s Firearms and Cannabis Team, targeted the crime syndicate operating from the Sunshine Coast.

Police allege the supply network also expanded into other areas of South East Queensland and the Wide Bay.

Marijuana allegedly found during a police intercept for Operation Tango Birch. Picture: QPS

On December 17 Sunshine Coast, Wide Bay and SEQ officers commenced a Tango Birch operation around south east and central Queensland.

They executed 19 search warrants which led to the arrest of 18 people on 55 charges.

The operation commenced in December 2020 and targeted the distribution of commercial quantities of drugs including cocaine, MDMA, cannabis, and meth spanning from Logan to Bundaberg.

Buderim man Zachary-Matthew Sam Steadman was charged with trafficking, supplying and possessing dangerous drugs following the operation.

He has also been charged with possessing proceeds of crime and possessing things used.

Another Buderim man, 28-year-old Ryan Dennehy Elliott, was charged with trafficking, supply and possessing things used.

He was also charged with two counts of possessing proceeds of crime.

They are both due to appear in Maroochydore Magistrates Court on February 4.

Up to 18 people have been arrested after being connected to the alleged drug-trafficking ring. Picture: QPS

Beerwah man Dennis Michael Barrett, 52, was charged with two counts of possessing proceeds of crime, trafficking dangerous drugs and possessing things used.

He is due to appear in Maroochydore Magistrates Court on January 10.

During Operation Tango Birch police seized drugs with a street value of more than $265,000, including more than 32 kilograms of high-grade marijuana.

Other drugs seized included cocaine, MDMA and meth.

Police also seized $120,000 in cash and weapons including firearms, tasers, knuckle dusters and flick knives.

Cocaine allegedly found during several raids on the Sunshine Coast, Wide Bay and South East Queensland areas. Picture: QPS

Sunshine Coast Crime Group’s Detective Inspector Dave Drinnen said the operation and results achieved by police would have a large impact on the supply of dangerous drugs in the region.

“Through these ongoing disruption strategies we will continue to target organised crime to keep our community safe,” he said.

Here’s the list of 12 other people charged following the closure of the operation:

• A 34-year-old Bundaberg man has been charged with one count of trafficking drugs and possessing weapons.
• A 26-year-old Nambour man has been charged with three counts of possessing dangerous drugs, one of possessing a restricted item, a knife, taser, utensils and ammunition.
• A 29-year-old Bli Bli man has been charged with supplying and producing drugs, as well as possessing cocaine exceeding schedule one. He was also charged with possessing anything used, possessing drug proceeds, and possessing utensils or pipes.
• A 39-year-old Bundaberg man was charged with one count of possessing dangerous drugs.
• A 41-year-old Kuluin man was charged with possessing drugs, possessing anything used, and possessing utensils or pipes.
• A 27-year-old Bundaberg man has been charged with possessing drugs.
• A 27-year-old Buderim man was charged with trafficking and possessing dangerous drugs exceeding schedule three. He was also charged with possessing property obtained from trafficking, possessing anything used in the commission of a crime, and possessing utensils.
• A 35-year-old Buderim man was charged with trafficking and possessing dangerous drugs exceeding schedule three. He was also charged with possessing property obtained from trafficking, possessing anything used in the commission of a crime and possessing utensils.
• A 21-year-old Buderim woman was charged with possessing dangerous drugs and received a drug diversion.
• A 71-year-old Burrum Heads man was charged with possessing dangerous drugs, possessing anything used and possessing utensils.
• A 39-year-old Burrum Heads man was charged with possessing dangerous drugs
• A 63-year-old Caloundra man was charged with eight counts of supplying dangerous drugs and possessing tainted property.

Detectives alleged seized $120,000 during the raid. Picture: QPS