Rolling Rock, Box Office Noosa gym connections charged with drug trafficking, offences
The identities of several alleged Noosa drug traffickers and offenders can be revealed after a 12-month sting busted them and 21 others on more than 100 charges. LIST OF NAMES
Police & Courts
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Connections including former co-owners of a high-profile Noosa nightclub, a boxing gym part-owner and a prominent businessman have fronted court after a 12-month investigation busted them on alleged drug trafficking and importation charges.
Noosa detectives charged a total of 25 people on more than 100 charges following the 12-month operation and revealed more charges could follow.
The most serious charges included the alleged trafficking and importation of cocaine, understood to have been shipped in from Holland.
Some of the accused appeared in the Noosa Magistrates Court for the first time on Tuesday, November 2.
Police prosecutor Sergeant Nick Nitschke said several of the matters related to offences at prominent Noosa locations, including the Rolling Rock nightclub and a boxing gym.
Sergeant Nitschke told the court the operation involved Noosa detectives, Australian Federal Police, Border Force and authorities in the Netherlands and New Zealand.
He said there were four main players in the operation.
Noosa Police station officer-in-charge Ben Carroll said the 10 accused were part of a 12-month protracted investigation with the codename of Sierra Frontier.
Senior Sergeant Carroll said it resulted in the arrest of 25 people on 100 charges, including at least four on alleged cocaine trafficking.
“Police had been acting on information from members of public in addition to own intelligence,” Sergeant Carroll said.
“A lot of these arrests have been as a result from information from community.
“The drug trafficking is a real concern for Noosa Heads. This is the first phase of the operation and it is expected more arrests to come.”
Sergeant Carroll said the course of the investigation had resulted in the seizure of $12,000 in illicit drugs, including cocaine, cannabis and steroids, and some $346,000 in property.
The following 10 people linked to the operation had their matters mentioned in the Noosa Magistrates Court on Tuesday, November 2.
Of the other 15 charged some on more minor charges had already faced court and had their matters finalised while others remained ongoing.
Marcus Les Wright
Marcus Les Wright appeared in the Noosa Magistrates Court on eight charges including alleged drug trafficking, drug importation and fraud.
Mr Wright, the former co-owner of the Rolling Rock nightclub on Hastings Street, was granted bail to appear on January 18, 2022.
He was charged with the following: two counts of fraud, two counts of possessing a thing used in the commission of a crime, one count of trafficking dangerous drugs, two counts of supplying dangerous drugs and one count of stealing.
His lawyer Anna Smith told the court she suspected Mr Wright’s matter would be required to go to a higher court.
Matthew James Long
The part-owner of Noosa Box Office gym fronted the Noosa Magistrates Court on a long list of charges.
The court heard that Mr Wright and Mr Long had the most “significant” involvement in the operation.
Mr Long was released on bail to appear at a higher court on January 18.
He was charged with the following: 28 counts of fraud, one count of attempted drug importation, one count of attempting to pervert justice, one count of importing commercial quantities of drugs, two counts of possessing tainted property, two counts of supplying dangerous drugs, one count of drug trafficking, one count of stealing and several other charges.
Shae Daniel Bartholom Fox
Mr Fox had his matter mentioned in the Noosa Magistrates Court, however, he did not appear.
The court heard Mr Fox was tied up in the same alleged operation.
He is the former co-owner of the Rolling Rock alongside Mr Wright.
Mr Fox was released on bail to appear at a higher court on January 18.
He has been charged with one count each of possessing a dangerous drug, possessing a thing used in the commission of a crime and drug trafficking.
Samuel Gary Johnson
Mr Johnson had his matter mentioned in the Noosa Magistrates Court, however, he did not appear.
The court heard Mr Johnson was a “small player” in the same alleged operation.
Mr Johnson was released on bail to appear on January 18.
He was charged with one count of drug trafficking.
Nicholas Kani
Nicholas Kani appeared in the Noosa Magistrates Court on several charges.
Mr Kani, who has strong ties to a boxing gym, was granted bail to appear at the same court on November 23.
He was charged with one count of fraud, one count of possessing a thing used in the commission of a crime and five counts of supplying dangerous drugs.
Israel Kani
The brother of Nicholas appeared in the Noosa Magistrates Court on one charge which he plans to fight.
Mr Kani pleaded not guilty to one count of supplying dangerous drugs.
He was yet to find legal representation but told the court he would.
Acting magistrate Raelene Ellis said Mr Kani’s matter would be required to go to a district court.
Mr Kani’s matter was adjourned to November 23 at the Noosa Magistrates Court for mention only.
Sam Luke Harvey
Mr Harvey appeared in the Noosa Magistrates Court on two charges.
The court heard Mr Harvey had been charged with supplying cocaine.
Mr Harvey was released on bail to appear in the Noosa Magistrates Court on November 30.
He was charged with one count of supplying dangerous drugs and one count of possessing a thing used in the commission of a crime.
Cameron Robert Goode
Cameron Robert Goode had his matter mentioned in the Noosa Magistrates Court, however, he did not appear.
He had been charged with seven counts of supplying dangerous drugs and one count of possessing something used in the commission of a crime.
He was released on bail to appear in the Noosa Magistrates Court on November 23.
Editor’s Note: this article initially reported that Mr Wright and Mr Fox are the co-owners of the Rolling Roll nightclub. In fact, the club was sold in July 2021 and the current owners have no involvement in these proceedings whatsoever.
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Originally published as Rolling Rock, Box Office Noosa gym connections charged with drug trafficking, offences
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