Jackelyn Johnston, Zak Newsome and Tony Rice in Rockhampton court

Three people charged following a police operation that saw more than 1.5kg in methylamphetamine worth up to $1 million seized had their matters mentioned in court.

Three people charged following a major police operation that saw more than 1.5kg in methylamphetamine worth up to $1 million seized in the region and 18 people arrested on 64 charges have had their matters mentioned in court.

Jackelyn Anne Johnston, 30, Zak Leslie Newsome, 36, and Tony Leonard Rice, 39, were charged in Operation Victor Cope, which started in May.

The “protracted drug operation” by the Rockhampton Criminal Investigation Branch targeted the “unlawful supply of dangerous drugs, specifically methylamphetamine, in the Rockhampton and Gracemere areas”.

Ms Johnston and Mr Rice were both represented by Phillips Crawford Lawyers law clerk, Merlyn Dryburgh, who said she was waiting for the brief of evidence to be provided for both clients.

Police prosecutor Courtney Brown said a partial brief of evidence had been sent and that the drug certificates would not be available until February 2024.

Magistrate Philippa Beckinsale adjourned their matters to February 7, 2024.

Mr Rice was remanded in custody at Capricornia Correctional Centre.

Ms Johnston was also remanded in custody.

Mr Newsome was represented by South Geldard Lawyers and his matters were also adjourned to February 7, 2024.

Ms Johnston is charged with two count of possessing dangerous drugs schedule 1 drug quantity of or exceeding schedule 3 but less than schedule 4 and unlawfully possessing a weapon, and one count each of possessing tainted property, possessing dangerous drugs schedule 1 drug quantity of or exceeding schedule 4, possessing property suspected of being acquired with proceeds of an offence under the Drugs Misuse Act and trafficking dangerous drugs.

Mr Newsome is charged with two counts of possessing dangerous drugs schedule 1 drug quantity of or exceeding schedule 3 but less than schedule 4 (methylamphetamine and 4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine), and one count each of possessing dangerous drugs (buprenorphine), possessing anything for use in the commission of crime defined in part 2, possessing tainted property, contravening order about information necessary to access information stored electronically and possessing dangerous drugs schedule 1 drug quantity of or exceeding schedule 4 (methylamphetamine).

Mr Rice is charged with two counts of offence to buy or possess S4 or S8 medicines or hazardous poisons, and one count each of driving without a licence, failing to take reasonable care and precautions in respect of syringe or needle, possessing property suspected of having been used in connection with the commission of a drug offence, possessing tainted property, possessing dangerous drugs, breaching a bail condition and possessing dangerous drugs schedule 1 drug quantity of or exceeding schedule 3 but less than schedule 4.

Originally published as Jackelyn Johnston, Zak Newsome and Tony Rice in Rockhampton court