Queensland mum allegedly dealt ice in front of her young children
A mother of five has fronted court accused of drug trafficking in the small town of Cunnamulla in Queensland.
Kathleen Brown, 30, was one of 27 people arrested during raids that were conducted by police officers over the weekend.
Police allege she dealt the drug ice in front of her children.
A 16-year-old boy was also arrested.
The operation targeted ice, and authorities said they also seized cannabis, drug paraphernalia and mobile phones in the searches.
The arrests have resulted in 150 charges, including offences of drug trafficking and supply of dangerous drugs.
Charleville Magistrates Court heard that over several months, police intercepted the phone calls of Brown ‘checking if the drugs supplied were satisfactory, chasing payments, and openly advertising when she had drugs’.
After sourcing ice from Charleville, Toowoomba and Brisbane, Brown allegedly boasted of ‘having a female employee to sell amphetamines in Thargomindah’.
Despite the large raid, locals believe the trafficking problem is still ongoing.
Barbara Hooper lost her nephew to ice, and her grandson suffers fits as a result of taking the drug.
“Even yesterday, ice is still going on in Cunnamulla,” she told 7 News.
“They were selling it half an hour after they got raided and the big fish are still down there in Cunnamulla and never got raided.”
Mrs Hooper’s daughter, Amanda, was another suspect to face court on Monday, accused of trafficking cannabis.
Her mother was brought to tears explaining how illicit drugs have ruined her family’s life.
“It's gotta go. I beg and beg the police to get it out and it's still there,” Mrs Hooper said.
Acting Superintendent Mark Slater said they are aware of the demand for the illegal substances and admit police can’t stop the trade entirely.
"It would be naive to think that you are going to completely eradicate drugs. I mean, worldwide that hasn't been the experience,” he said.
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said she was aware of the high numbers of traffickers and was informed of the situation in Cunnamulla.
"That's why we have directed money into rehabilitation beds, this is an important issue, it's a community issue,” she said.
The magistrate said that the first four people to appear in court have a high risk of reoffending.
All four accused have been refused bail.
Morning news break - January 18
