All the details so far of alleged Mundubbera drug supply operation

A dozen arrests, more than 200 charges, allegations of weapons bartered for meth, and allegedly more than $100,000 in profit – here’s everything we know so far about Operation Konopie.

Police claim to have smashed a major drug “syndicate” across Gayndah, Mundubbera and Murgon.

Here is what we know about the individuals charged in Operation Konopie.

The Basics

Operation Konopie commenced in June 2021, and investigators worked quietly for five months gathering evidence.

It culminated on November 1 with the arrest of Mele Lineti Cross and Kirst McLeish, but detectives have charged 12 people with 204 drug offences.

A dozen people have been charged with more than 200 offences as part of Operation Konopie. Picture: iStock

Speaking after the operation’s closure, acting Detective Inspector Renee Garske thanked the community for the information they provided during the course of the investigation.

“This joint approach between regional and specialist practitioners that target drug supply, demand, and harm reduction with the input of the regional community members being vital to the success of policing operations,” she said.

The Alleged Offenders

So far, two people have faced court over what police have described in court as a drug “syndicate”.

Mele Lineti Sanipepa Cross, 29, was arrested on November 1 and granted bail the next day after being charged with more than 140 offences, including 139 counts of supplying dangerous drugs and one count of trafficking drugs.

Police alleged Cross supplied more than 60g of meth between June 2020 and August 2021, which police believed netted her approximately $100,000.

Mele Lineti Sanipepa Cross was granted bail after being charged with drug trafficking and 139 counts of supplying drugs.

Cross was hauled back before the courts just three days after being granted bail.

Media reports of her alleged charges led her aunt to kick her out of the home she was order to reside at by the court.

Cross pleaded guilty to a breach of bail charge and acting magistrate John Milburn fined her $250, with no conviction recorded.

Police also applied to revoke her bail, with prosecutor Barry Stevens telling the court since the initial bail hearing, further details had come to light.

The court heard on that occasion this included information that suggested Cross operation was “a more highly developed drug network”.

The court was told text messages between Cross and her husband had been analysed and alleged they showed pictures of a revolver and AK-style rifle police believed was exchanged for meth.

Sgt Stevens said Cross allegedly told her husband in the text exchange “I haven’t done this before, but it’s no different to any other anyone does for money”.

Cross’ husband is not charged with any crime in relation to the investigation and no allegations of wrongdoing are made in respect of him.

The prosecutor stressed to the court the weapons pictured in the texts had not been recovered.

Police alleged text messages suggest Cross had been in possession of an AK-style rifle (similar to the replica pictured) and that the weapon may have been bartered for meth.

The second person to face court was Kirsty Evelyn McLeish.

McLeish allegedly supplied upwards of $6000 worth of meth over more than a year.

She fronted Murgon Magistrates Court on November 9 charged with six counts of supplying drugs and two counts possessing drugs, as well as other minor charges.

Police opposed the 35-year-old’s bail application, stating McLeish has previously been convicted of supplying drugs.

Sgt Stevens also took issue a submission by defence lawyer Nathan Bouchier that the allegations of supply were at the lower end of the scale.

“I respectfully disagree. While the amounts (of drug) may be small, we’re alleging over $6000 this defendant has profited by her activities,” Sgt Stevens said.

Despite the objection, McLeish was bailed and ordered to reside with her half-brother in Brisbane, removing her from influences in the Mundubbera region and allowing her access drug treatment programs.

What happens next

Both Cross and McLeish are due to return to court next year.

As the alleged conduct occurred mainly in the Mundubbera region, the next hearings will be at Maryborough Magistrates Court on January 24.

It is likely the case will be committed to the District of Supreme Court.

Anyone with any information relating to any crime can report PoliceLink on 131 444 or provide information anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

If you have information relating to Operation Konopie, contact PoliceLink and quote this reference number: QP2100624908.

Originally published as All the details so far of alleged Mundubbera drug supply operation