A major police crackdown on cocaine trafficking in Brisbane’s nightclub precinct has resulted in dozens of arrests and charges.
The Fortitude Valley Tactical Crime Squad charged 48 people with more than 90 offences following Operation Perico, a targeted investigation conducted over four weekends in May.
Police launched the operation after receiving intelligence about cocaine allegedly being trafficked throughout the Fortitude Valley party precinct.
During the investigation, officers allegedly seized $40,000 in cash, 169 grams of cocaine and a knife
Charges laid include trafficking dangerous drugs, supplying dangerous drugs, producing dangerous drugs and possession of a knife in a public place.
Among those charged was a 22-year-old Logan Reserve man who was arrested on 30 May.
He faces multiple drug-related offences, including trafficking dangerous drugs and producing dangerous drugs, and is due to appear before Brisbane Magistrates Court on 3 July.
A 19-year-old Alderley man was also charged with possession of a knife in a public place and is expected to appear in court on 12 June.
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Fortitude Valley Tactical Crime Squad Senior Sergeant Travers Weychardt said the operation had removed a significant quantity of drugs from Brisbane streets and disrupted an established supplier network.
“These types of offences are never simply a private exchange between two people, they impact the whole community, fuelling crime and endangering lives,” he said.
“Anyone engaging in these offences can expect to face serious consequences, including criminal charges and possibly jail time.”
