Cops seized about $160,000 worth of ketamine, $127,000 worth of MDMA, as well as quantities of cannabis, LSD, cocaine and more than $12,000 in cash.
Weedy Wonka's Winter Solstice (Facebook)
Around 53 people have been arrested and $400,000 worth of drugs have been seized after police raided a bush doof in southern Queensland.
Weedy Wonka's Winter Solstice, a four-day music event called held between June 22 and 25, was held on a rural block of land at Googa Creek near Blackbutt, about 170 kilometres northwest of Brisbane, during which police seized about $160,000 worth of ketamine, $127,000 worth of MDMA, as well as quantities of cannabis, LSD, cocaine and more than $12,000 in cash.
It was alleged that large quantities of the drugs were earmarked for distribution or sale.
In a video of the bust that was posted to Queensland Police Service's Facebook, cops can be seen raiding one punter's car with sniffer dogs before discovering large amounts of cash and several bags of white powder.
Police have charged 53 people with 110 charges and seized almost $400,000 worth of drugs following a four-day-long operation at a music event at Googa Creek, Blackbutt: https://mypolice.page.link/qZnX
Posted by Queensland Police Service on Tuesday, June 27, 2023
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As per ABC, the arrests included that of a 35-year-old Victorian man who was charged with 13 offences, including the supply of dangerous drugs and possessing dangerous drugs.
A 39-year-old Toowoomba man was also arrested and charged with nine drug-related offences. He appeared before Toowoomba Magistrates Court on June 26 and will do so again at a later date.
Inspector Scott Stahlhut said police became concerned after receiving information about the "secretive" event.
"What we know is that the event was advertised through a social media forum with an alternative address," he said. "Then as patrons purchased tickets or got in contact, they were provided with an alternative [address], which was where the event was."
"We were more concerned at the outset in terms of people leaving the event potentially under the influence of liquor or dangerous drugs."
Stahlhut added that the event put a "fair bit of pressure" on police and ambulance crews.
"We were concerned that some people might be adversely affected or fall quite ill," he said.
A spokesperson for the Queensland Ambulance Service said no cases were reported from the event.