Thirty people have been charged with 113 offences following a traffic and drug operation in Mount Isa.
Detectives from the State Drug Squad, Mount Isa Tactical Crime Squad, Mount Isa Road Policing Unit along with Mt Isa and Cloncurry police were involved in the operation.
Operation Victor Foldex was established to reduce the harmful impacts of dangerous drugs in the Mount Isa area, through the disruption of drug supply.
The operation was conducted between October 12 and 18 - 1559 random breath tests and 43 random drug tests were conducted.
Four drivers were allegedly detected drink driving, while seven drivers allegedly tested positive for drugs, including methylamphetamine, cocaine and cannabis.
Over the week, 14 search warrants were executed with approximately 25.7 grams of methylamphetamine, 1111 grams of cannabis, 0.5 grams of cocaine and $6500 in cash seized.
As a result of search warrants and extensive investigations, 19 people were charged with 97 offences related to the trafficking, supply or possession of dangerous drugs.
Police also provided referrals to support agencies for 13 people and engaged several others in drug diversion programs.
State Drug Squad Detective Inspector Bradley Phelps said illicit drugs are highly addictive and insidious, affecting all parts of society often leading to offending from property crime and dangerous driving to assaults and concerningly, incidents of domestic and family violence.
This operation ... was about causing a deep-rooted disruption to the widespread social impacts drugs can have in communities.
- State Drug Squad Detective Inspector Bradley Phelps
"This operation aimed to do more than simply take drugs off the streets of Mount Isa, this was about causing a deep-rooted disruption to the widespread social impacts drugs can have in communities," Detective Inspector Phelps said.
"It will be alleged that one of the persons arrested in this operation was a high-risk domestic violence offender who had been released from custody on parole three days prior. It will be alleged that he was located during a police raid, not only breaching a domestic violence order, but in possession of methylamphetamine.
"Illicit drug use can provoke dangerous and violent behaviour - the links between drug use, mental health issues and violence pose a significant risk to not only front-line responders and hospital staff but also to the wider community.
"We continue to urge any members of the public who may know something regarding drug supply, to help us keep your community safe and contact Crimestoppers or Policelink to provide us that information."
Investigations are ongoing.
