Three people have been arrested following a major drug sting on the Gold Coast.
Operation ‘Xray Vent’ was launched in January following intelligence indicating the trafficking of illicit drugs including heroin, cocaine and methylamphetamine.
Investigations resulted in the execution of eight search warrants on Tuesday at locations in Nerang, Arundel, Spring Creek and Park Ridge.
At a storage unit in Nerang and a home in Arundel, detectives located 1.5 kilograms of heroin, 21 kilograms of methylamphetamine, 24.5 kilograms of cannabis, $411,205 cash, mobile phones and two money counters.
Police say the total estimated combined value of the drugs is $3.47 million.
Three men, aged 52, 44 and 36 have since been charged with a string of offences including trafficking in dangerous drugs, possessing dangerous drugs and receiving or possessing property obtained from trafficking or supplying.
The trio was due to appear in the Southport Magistrates Court on Wednesday.
Detective Inspector Brad Phelps from the Drug and Serious Crime Group said stopping these drugs from hitting the streets is a significant victory for the community.
“These are high harm drugs allegedly for distribution by an organised crime syndicate, with the sole aim of profiting at the expense of the community,” Detective Inspector Phelps said.
“The use of illicit drugs impacts the wider community through links to road trauma and offences of violence, including domestic violence. The impact includes health consequences for the individual and associated harm to families and their loved ones”.
