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Police have charged 42 people with 215 offences following today’s closure of a four-month operation targeting drug trafficking north of Brisbane.

Operation Hotel Guarana targeted people involved in the sale and distribution of MDMA, cocaine, methylamphetamines and cannabis in the Sunshine Coast, Redcliffe and Caboolture areas.

Sunshine Coast District Officer Superintendent Ben Hanbidge said the Sunshine Coast CIB began the operation on November 1, 2009.

“The operation involved police from throughout the Sunshine Coast, Redcliffe and Caboolture districts, the State Crime Operations Command Flying Squad, the Crime and Misconduct Commission’s Proceeds of Crime Unit and drug detection dogs from Brisbane.

“Police have seized about $130,000 worth of drugs and $45,000 in cash believed to be the proceeds of crime.

“This is in addition to the seizure of approximately $300,000 in assets, including motor vehicles.”

Superintendent Hanbidge said search warrants had been executed throughout the target areas.

A large commercial clandestine laboratory was located at Eudlo as part of the operation.

People charged as part of the operation will appear in nearby magistrates courts over the coming weeks. Twenty-four of the people charged will face multiple trafficking charges.

Investigations are continuing.