Eight people charged, to face court after Gold Coast drug trafficking bust

Police allegedly seized cocaine, stacks of cash and a BMW in raids across the Gold Coast that have left eight people facing court on drug charges. FULL DETAILS

Eight people have been charged after police allegedly seized cocaine, stacks of cash, and a BMW X5 in a Gold Coast drug trafficking bust.

Drug paraphernalia and mobile phones were among the other items allegedly found by police during searches at Broadbeach, Surfers Paradise, and Burleigh Heads last week.

Mathew Lalic, 35, Kirsty Wallbanks, 30, and Anthony Hood, 60, have since been charged with trafficking, supplying, and possessing cocaine and possessing proceeds.

Mr Hood, of Burleigh Heads, is also charged with possessing phentermine – an appetite suppressant – and possessing anything used in the commission of a crime.

Jesse Ward-Howard, 33, is charged with four counts of supplying a dangerous drug and two of possessing tainted property.

The co-accused were held in custody to appear in Southport Magistrates Court on Friday.

All four made applications for bail, with only Mr Ward-Howard’s refused.

Each of the cases is due to return to court on Tuesday.

A further four people were charged in relation to the alleged bust.

Two Broadbeach men, aged 40 and 50, and a 45-year-old Broadbeach woman were all charged with supplying and possessing cocaine.

A 61-year-old Broadbeach man faces charges including possessing dangerous drugs, receiving or possessing property obtained from trafficking or supplying, and possessing drug utensils.

They were all issued with notices to appear in Southport Magistrates Court later this month.

In a statement after the arrests, Detective Inspector Craig Bowman from the Organised Crime Gangs Group said the alleged trafficking of illicit drugs could fund organised crime and increase risk to the community.

“We are committed to delivering a safer community,” he said.

“No matter your standing in our community, if you are involved in the distribution of illicit substances, you will be targeted and you will be held accountable.”