Two Men Charged in Far North Queensland Kidnapping and Extortion Investigation
Police in Far North Queensland have charged two men following an investigation into the kidnapping and extortion of a woman. The individuals, a 31-year-old from Mareeba and a 36-year-old from Mount Molloy, were arrested on Wednesday.
Police allege one of the men is associated with the Lone Wolf bikie gang and was involved in trafficking methamphetamine in the region.
Arrests and Evidence Uncovered
Police executed search warrants at five properties across the region, which led to the arrests. Bodycam footage showed officers entering a residence after a man reportedly did not open the door.
During these searches, officers reported the discovery of sandwich bags containing white powder, clothing featuring wolf imagery, and a wolf painting. Authorities further alleged the discovery of a significant quantity of methamphetamine, cocaine, cannabis, drug utensils, and various electronic devices.
Charges Laid
The 31-year-old man faces charges including a range of drug offenses, extortion, and one count of kidnapping.
The 36-year-old man was charged with two counts of extortion, possessing dangerous drugs, kidnapping, and contravening an order regarding access to electronically stored information.
Both men have been remanded in custody. The 36-year-old is scheduled to appear at Mareeba Magistrates Court on February 2, while the 31-year-old will appear on April 7.
Operation Background
The arrests were conducted under Operation Yankee Novi, which was initiated on January 22. This operation began after reports of a woman being kidnapped and extorted by a man known to her at a Machans Beach property.
Separately, in December, another man, aged 32 and an alleged Lone Wolf member, was charged with trafficking dangerous drugs and money laundering as part of Operation Xray Rile.