A six-month drug operation targeting the unlawful supply of commercial quantities of cannabis across Central Queensland has concluded, resulting in the seizure of more than 100 kilograms of cannabis and over $200,000 in cash.
Operation Xray Blacksmith, led by Rockhampton Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB) focused on a Rockhampton-based drug trafficking syndicate, with investigators alleging significant quantities of cannabis were trafficked between Rockhampton, Mount Morgan and Gracemere.
Police will allege that over a six-month period more than 100 kilograms of cannabis was supplied throughout these communities, with unlawfully obtained profits distributed among members of the syndicate.
As part of the operation, investigators seized an additional 100 kilograms of cannabis allegedly intended for further distribution, along with more than $200,000 in cash, which police will allege are proceeds of trafficking in cannabis.
A 38-year-old Kawana woman was charged with nine counts of supplying dangerous drugs and one count each of possessing dangerous drugs (schedule 2 quantity of or exceeding schedule 3), possessing dangerous drugs, supplying dangerous drugs, possessing tainted property, possessing anything used in the commission of crime defined in Part 2 and receiving tainted property. She is due to re-appear in the Rockhampton Magistrates Court on 18 February 2026.
A 64-year-old Norman Gardens woman has been charged with two counts of other offences under the Drugs Misuse Act and one count each of possessing dangerous drugs (schedule 2 quantity of or exceeding schedule 3), trafficking in dangerous drugs, possessing dangerous drugs (schedule 2 quantity of or exceeding schedule 3) and possessing tainted property (money). She was granted court bail and is due to re-appear in the Rockhampton Magistrates Court on 6 May 2026.
A 41-year-old Gracemere man has been charged with 22 counts of supplying dangerous drugs, nine counts of other offences under the Drugs Misuse Act and one count each of trafficking in dangerous drugs, possessing dangerous drugs (schedule 2 quantity of or exceeding schedule 3) and possessing tainted property (money). He was granted court bail and is due to re-appear in the Rockhampton Magistrates Court on 6 May 2026.
A 20-year-old Norman Gardens man has been charged with 37 counts of supplying dangerous drugs, three counts of other offences under the Drugs Misuse Act and one count of trafficking in dangerous drugs. He was granted court bail and is due to re-appear in the Rockhampton Magistrates Court on 6 May 2026.
Detective Senior Sergeant Kevin Mawdsley, Officer in Charge of Rockhampton CIB said the six-month operation had been a huge success, with a significant quantity of illicit drugs being removed from our community.
“This operation aimed to do more than simply remove drugs from the streets; it was about disrupting the deep-rooted social impacts that cannabis can have in our community.”
“It will be alleged that some of those arrested were involved in organised drug supply across multiple communities, generating significant proceeds for the syndicate. These arrests and seizures will disrupt their ability to continue this activity.”
“We continue to urge any members of the public who may have information regarding the supply of illicit drugs to contact Crimestoppers or Policelink to help keep our community safe” Detective Senior Sergeant Mawdsley said.
Suspicious drug-related activity can be reported through Policelink on 131 444 or anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Members of the community can also anonymously report drug activity using the following link Dob in a Dealer • Crime Stoppers Queensland.
