North Qld drug crackdown nets 57 arrests

Queensland Police have arrested almost 60 people in just 48 hours as part of an ongoing drug crackdown in the state's north.

The sting across the Mackay and Whitsundays area is being described as one of the largest of its kind in the past decade.

It's already resulted in the arrests of 57 people on some 277 charges, with about half of those arrested facing drug trafficking offences.

Drugs, cars, jewellery and cash had all been seized by officers over the operation's first two days, police say.

"We're confident there has been a dent made (in the local drug trade)," District Officer Acting Superintendent Marcus Hill said.

The operation was a year in the making and a joint effort of local police and the Brisbane-based bikie crime unit, Taskforce Maxima.

However, the initial arrests haven't shown any links to motorcycle gangs, Taskforce Maxima head Terry Lawrence said.

He said ice, cannabis, MDMA and cocaine were the main illicit substances of concern in the area.

All up, the drug haul seized so far is worth about $1 million.

Investigations are expected to continue in coming days.