Crime Command Detectives have charged four people as part of an ongoing investigation into a Transnational Organised Criminal Syndicate (TSOC) operating in Southeast Queensland.

According to the report, TSOC leaders are believed to be coordinating drug trafficking activity from offshore locations via encrypted communication devices, allowing them to direct logistics, distribution, and financial flows across multiple jurisdictions while remaining outside Australian territory.

The police stated that the syndicate was highly organised, depending on compartmentalised roles, coded communications, and coordinated interstate transit of illicit narcotics to limit discovery risks.

Earlier, police carried out 12 simultaneous search warrants in Yarrabilba, Flagstone, Slacks Creek, Karalee, Regents Park, Logan, Redbank Plains, Calamvale, Upper Mount Gravatt, and Kingston.

To avoid the destruction or removal of evidence, various expert units conducted synchronised raids at the same time. They also secured critical digital devices and financial information thought to be associated with the network’s offshore controllers.

During the raids, they discovered substantial amounts of hazardous substances, including 90 kg of cocaine, 16 kg of methylamphetamine, 311 kg of ketamine, and 58 kg of MDMA. The estimated worth of these medications is $20 million.

Additionally, detectives discovered commercial-scale criminal laboratory equipment and precursor chemicals suspected of being used in the synthesis and extraction of hazardous narcotics during a search of warehouses in Yarrabilba and Flagstone. The goods were carefully processed and removed by specialised personnel from the Synthetic Drugs Operations Unit (SDOU).

Investigators are currently conducting forensic investigation of the equipment to determine if the locations served as hubs for storage or active manufacturing within the larger supply chain.

The four men charged includes 41-year-old Slacks Creek man accused of four counts of drug trafficking, three counts of producing a dangerous drug and one count of contravening access requirements, a 34-year-old Karalee man facing four counts of drug trafficking and possession of dangerous drugs, a 37-year-old Regents Park man charged with four counts of drug trafficking, three counts of producing dangerous drugs and one count of contravening access requirements, as well as a 25-year-old Upper Mount Gravatt man charged with two counts of possessing dangerous drugs and one count each of possessing items and contravening access requirements.

Police have also not ruled out further arrests as investigations continue into additional members of the network believed to be operating both domestically and internationally.

To date, 13 people have been arrested as part of Crime Command joint operations Xray Skywalk, Xray Alon, and Yankee Revelry with further arrests and charges expected as investigations continue.

Earlier Seizures Strengthen Case in Queensland Drug Syndicate Investigation

Earlier police operations have been linked to the same broader intelligence picture that led to Operation Xray Skywalk, as investigators continue to dismantle what is believed to be a coordinated transnational drug supply network operating across Queensland.

On 4 March, officers arrested five men after 156 kilograms of cocaine, methylamphetamine, MDMA, heroin and ketamine was seized at units in Springwood, Reedy Creek, Clayfield and Mermaid Waters.

Crime Command Detective Acting Chief Superintendent, Craig McGrath explained that, “this outcome reflects the skill and persistence of investigators from the Drug and Serious Crime Group and the Organised Crime Gangs Group, working in close coordination with colleagues in New South Wales. Their efforts highlight the significant resources and expertise being applied to disrupt organised crime at every level.”

“Removing drugs of this scale from circulation has a direct impact on community safety. Every seizure represents less substances reaching our streets and reduces harm to individuals, families and frontline responders across Queensland.”
Superintendent Craig McGrath

He added that, transnational organised crime groups are motivated by profit, with little regard for the damage their activities cause, stating that, “they exploit demand to generate significant financial gain and don’t care about the harm they cause to people, families or the wider community.”

“Dangerous drugs, such as methamphetamine, ketamine and cocaine, continue to pose a serious threat to our community and the level of harm and use is concerning. Its use is linked to significant health issues, violence and crime, serious and sexual assaults and homicides, placing enormous pressure on police and emergency services. We see and experience the impact of these drugs every day in our community.”
Superintendent Craig McGrath

Police also noted that while the disruption of major trafficking networks can temporarily affect supply chains, organised crime groups often attempt to quickly re-establish operations, highlighting the need for continued enforcement and sustained investigative pressure.