By ALENA HIGGINS
A 44-year-old Emu Vale man and a 52-year-old Yangan man allegedly involved in an entrenched cannabis syndicate have been refused bail this afternoon.
The two men faced Warwick Magistrates’ Court at 2pm charged with trafficking, production and possession of the properties used in connection with the crimes.
Warwick Criminal Investigations Branch and Homicide Cold Case Unit detectives made the arrests earlier today (7 November) as a result of operation Mike Explore.
Operation Mike Explore commenced in August following the discovery of a suspected large-scale cannabis production site on a Rocky Creek Road, Emu Vale property.
Magistrate Bevan Manthey cited concerns for witnesses’ safety in denying bail.
Both have been remanded in custody to reappear on 24 November.
Meanwhile, a 74-year-old man, formally of Warwick, was today issued with a notice to appear in relation to serious drug-related charges following searches of Karara, Emu Vale and Massie properties as part of operation Mike Explore.
Police will allege the 74-year-old is the ringleader of the syndicate.
He is due to front Warwick Magistrates’ Court on 26 November.
More in Thursday’s edition of the Free Times.
