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Smart summary
Two more men have been identified in court as police investigations continue into an alleged cocaine distribution network operating through local pubs.
More people have been named in court as part of a major police investigation into an alleged cocaine distribution network in Hervey Bay.
The investigation, known as Operation Xray Colug, has resulted in more than 30 people being arrested or charged as police target an alleged local drug network.
Among those newly identified are Matthew Derreck Atkinson, a former Torquay Hotel staff member, and Nathan Stephen Ferney.
Atkinson faces multiple charges, including alleged drug trafficking and possession of dangerous drugs. His matter is being dealt with in a higher court.
Ferney is facing seven counts of supplying dangerous drugs. He was granted bail subject to strict conditions while the prosecution continues.
Other people charged in the wider investigation include Kyce Bakr, Connor Mooney-Hannant, Jesse James Beech, Zara Dyason and Zach Durston. Several of those matters remain before the courts, with some defendants scheduled to return for further hearings later in September.
Police allege the investigation has uncovered a network involved in distributing cocaine through the Hervey Bay area, with alleged links to hospitality venues and people working in the local industry.
The alleged ringleader, Rowdy James Champney, has been in custody since August and faces 24 charges. His matter is scheduled to return to court with other alleged associates on 8 October 2026.
The operation has attracted significant attention because of the number of people allegedly connected to the network and the involvement of current or former hospitality workers.
All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until their charges are proven in court.
AllegedPeopleCourtInvestigationNetwork
More people have been named in court as part of a major police investigation into an alleged cocaine distribution network in Hervey Bay.
The investigation, known as Operation Xray Colug, has resulted in more than 30 people being arrested or charged as police target an alleged local drug network.
Among those newly identified are Matthew Derreck Atkinson, a former Torquay Hotel staff member, and Nathan Stephen Ferney.
Atkinson faces multiple charges, including alleged drug trafficking and possession of dangerous drugs. His matter is being dealt with in a higher court.
Ferney is facing seven counts of supplying dangerous drugs. He was granted bail subject to strict conditions while the prosecution continues.
Other people charged in the wider investigation include Kyce Bakr, Connor Mooney-Hannant, Jesse James Beech, Zara Dyason and Zach Durston. Several of those matters remain before the courts, with some defendants scheduled to return for further hearings later in September.
Police allege the investigation has uncovered a network involved in distributing cocaine through the Hervey Bay area, with alleged links to hospitality venues and people working in the local industry.
The alleged ringleader, Rowdy James Champney, has been in custody since August and faces 24 charges. His matter is scheduled to return to court with other alleged associates on 8 October 2026.
The operation has attracted significant attention because of the number of people allegedly connected to the network and the involvement of current or former hospitality workers.
All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until their charges are proven in court.
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