Queensland Police uncover $129M in drugs in 13-month sting

Close to $130 million in drugs and four laboratories have been uncovered by police in a huge operation across South East Queensland, leading to the arrest of dozens of people suspected to be part of major international syndicates. SEE THE VIDEO

More than $120 million in drugs has been uncovered by police in a 13-month operation across the southeast corner, leading to the arrest of dozens of people suspected to be part of a major international syndicate.

Operation Victor Palmer began in December 2022 and has led to the arrest of 44 people charged with 241 offences around Brisbane, Logan and Ipswich.

During the operation, police dismantled four major drug laboratories, and seized $129 million worth of drugs.

Detective Inspector Brad Phelps said the syndicate – which had co-ordinators in south East Asia – had gone to great lengths to avoid cops.

“Some of them it will be alleged fled the country to avoid detection,” Inspector Phelps said.

“These syndicates are highly co-ordinated and very professional in what they do. It takes a lot of effort and dedication on the part of detectives in order to uncover this offending and bring these people to justice.”

More than $120 million in drugs has been uncovered by police in a 13-month operation across the southeast corner.

The operation kicked off after police found 39kg of meth at a home in Milton late in 2022.

Since then, police have searched dozens more homes and seized 119kg of meth, 7.4kg of cocaine, 231kg of cannabis, 600g of MDMA, 23L of GBL and 90kg of precursor chemicals.

Officers also seized $1.3 million cash, five cars, and more than $100,000 in gold bullion.

More than $120 million in drugs has been uncovered by police in a 13-month operation across the southeast corner.

Body-cam footage from some of the arrests shows police uncover drugs inside stubbie-coolers, laundry detergent tubs, and in large plastic bags in suburban homes.

More than $120 million in drugs has been uncovered by police in a 13-month operation across the southeast corner.

During one arrest, officers had to force their way into a house by a ramming down a front door.

Police also dismantled four meth labs, including one in Inala, which were operating at a commercial scale converting meth oil to the final crystal product.

Police will allege the syndicate was importing meth precursors into the country and going through a “significant extraction process” to create the drug.

Police allegedly also seized a 20 tonne heroine press at one of the labs.

It was among 67 drug labs uncovered by Queensland Police last year – a “significant increase” from the previous two years.

“Majority (of drug labs) are located in our suburbs, in domestic premises, and they pose a very significant danger to the community and the person involved in the production of those drugs,” Inspector Phelps said.

Over the last week, police cracked down on their final targets and arrested 12 people on 61 charges across Brisbane and Logan.

Police found more than $1 million worth of drugs and property in the recent bust.

More than $120 million in drugs has been uncovered by police in a 13-month operation across the southeast corner.

Inspector Phelps said all those arrested were Australian citizens, but there were still more targets in south East Asia – particularly in Thailand and Indonesia.

“Certainly there’s some more persons of interest we are very interested in apprehending who are situated off shore currently.

“But we’ve done a lot to disrupt the domestic syndicate operating in southeast Queensland.”

More than $120 million in drugs has been uncovered by police in a 13-month operation across the southeast corner.

“The removal of these addictive and dangerous drugs has a positive effect not only on innocent and vulnerable members of the public, but also on our health system due to a reduction in drug-induced violence, overdoses and other long-term consequences.

“Illicit drugs have no place in our community, and Queensland Police will continue to do all we can to target these criminal syndicates and keep the community safe.”

Investigations are ongoing and more arrests are likely.”