Federal police raid hinterland property in Operation Ironside sting
A major drug trafficking syndicate has been dismantled in a joint operation that uncovered dangerous drugs, cash and assault rifles. WATCH THE FOOTAGE
Sunshine Coast
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A major trafficking syndicate which allegedly supplied drugs and weapons throughout Queensland's southeast has been dismantled as part of an Australian Federal Police operation.
Two men were issued notices to appear in court after a police raid at a property found an "elaborate" grow room and agents used to cut cocaine.
More than 100 people across the nation have been charged as part of Operation Ironside, with police alleging to have seized 3366kg of drugs and $35 million in dirty cash as the culmination of a three-year investigation.
One of Queensland's link to the sting was Operation Ironside North Shropshire when, on May 18, officers raided a Mount Mee property, about 40km southwest of Glass House Mountains.
Police allegedly discovered 2kg of cocaine, assault rifles and an indoor hydroponic marijuana production room described as "elaborate".
Officers also allegedly seized 758 marijuana plants and 180g of dried marijuana, cocaine cutting agents, a cocaine block press, firearms and ammunition, tools used to produce methamphetamine, a book on drug production, various drug paraphernalia and $2000 in cash.
A 36-year-old man was charged with offences including drug possession, drug production and unlawful possession of weapons. He was given a notice to appear in a Brisbane court.
Another man, 31, was also charged with two counts of possessing dangerous drugs and one count each of possessing and item and utensil. He was given a notice to appear in court.
Federal police and their Queensland counterparts raided more than 20 properties in the Sunshine Coast hinterland, the Gold Coast and at a luxury Brisbane hotel room on June 7 and 8.
They allegedly found hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash, a variety of drugs including marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine, steroids, and human growth hormones.
It will be alleged that encrypted phones were being used as a sophisticated network for "moving, hiding and distributing" illicit drugs and weapons across the region and interstate.
Police allege the syndicate had links with interstate couriers.
Electronic evidence also showed the syndicate allegedly had the capability to manufacture and alter weapons.
Two of the properties allegedly contained equipment to grow and manufacture large quantities of marijuana or methamphetamine along with instructions for producing drugs and associated paraphernalia.
Australian Federal Police Northern Command assistant commissioner Lesa Gale said Operation Ironside had opened the door to an unprecedented level of collaboration between law enforcement both across the nation and around the globe.
"This operation has taken a wrecking ball to the criminal environment attempting to operate across Queensland," she said.
Operation Ironside North Shropshire lead to the arrest of 12 people allegedly involved in the syndicate, some of whom have links to serious organised crime.
Nearly 60 charges have flowed with those accused facing up to 20 years behind bars.
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Originally published as 2kg of cocaine seized in major drug trafficking bust
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