Police have charged 20 people, seized unregistered firearms and large quantities of drugs in the far north Queensland holiday hotspot Cairns as Schoolies celebrations begin.
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Investigators allege that eight of the people charged with trafficking were members of the Cairns Chapter of Mongrel Mob Outlaw Motorcycle Gang.
"A few kilograms of cocaine are now off the street, as well as quantities of MDMA, Ice and steroids," detective senior sergeant Mark Andrews said.
"At this time of year, when we know the Cairns safe night precinct area will be busier with Schoolies - this is a success for our operation," he said.
Celebrations for graduating high school students in Queensland are from November 18 to November 25.
Cairns is not a registered Schoolies location but it remains a favourite destination for school leavers seeking white sand beaches and a vibrant party culture.
Investigations began on October 4 when one kilogram of cocaine was seized while allegedly trafficked into Cairns.
As police continued to observe they intercepted a second kilogram of cocaine, several grams of methylamphetamine, more than 150 caps of MDMA, various quantities of steroids, $70,000 in cash and several unregistered firearms.
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"This investigation was conducted for the purpose of making the Cairns safe night precinct safer for our young people," detective senior sergeant Andrews said.
"Anyone who buys and sells dangerous drugs, such as cocaine and ecstasy (MDMA), in our licenced premises can face life changing consequences, as many will discover during the coming months as they progress through the criminal justice system."
Police said those charged were expected to appear in Cairns Magistrates Court "in the coming weeks".
Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.
Help is available:
- For free and confidential advice about alcohol and other drug treatment services call the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015.
- Access free 24/7 drug and alcohol counselling online at counsellingonline.org.au.
- For information about drug and alcohol addiction treatment or support, go to turningpoint.org.au.