Operation Xray Ember Nabs 12

In a significant law enforcement action, Queensland Police have charged 12 individuals, including members of an Outlaw Motorcycle Gang (OMCG), as part of Operation Xray Ember in the South Burnett region. The operation, conducted from September 19 to 21, involved multiple police units and resulted in 40 charges related to drugs, weapons, and traffic offenses.

The collaborative effort by officers from the Kingaroy and Nanango stations, Kingaroy Criminal Investigation Branch, South West District Tactical Crime Squad, Taskforce Maxima, and the Organised Crime Gangs Group Highway Patrol, executed three search warrants and conducted 91 roadside breath tests. These actions led to one drink driving charge, 27 roadside drug tests resulting in eight positive results, and 19 traffic infringement notices.

Significant seizures during the operation included four firearms, ammunition, cannabis, methylamphetamine, restricted medications, drug utensils, knuckle dusters, and a slingshot. A 31-year-old man from Brooklands and two men from Sandy Ridges, aged 53 and 55, face multiple charges including unlawful possession of firearms and possessing explosives. They are scheduled to appear in the Kingaroy Magistrates Court on October 31.

Superintendent Doug McDonald of the Darling Downs District emphasized the operation’s role in ongoing efforts to deter criminal activities. “Illegal firearms and illicit drugs have no place in our community, and we will continue to target offenders to ensure public safety,” he stated, urging the public to report suspicious activities to the police.