Coominya, Inala Operation Whiskey Alon uncovers $42 million drug bust

Six people have faced a Brisbane court after a major southeast Queensland cannabis operation in which $42 million worth of the drug was seized by police. WATCH THE VIDEO.

Detectives have charged six people with producing more than $40 million of cannabis at a regional southeast Queensland property.

The arrests were made during raids codenamed Operation Whiskey Alon, led by detectives from the Drug and Serious Crime Group State Drug Squad.

The operation targeted the manufacturing of cannabis.

A police spokesman said a search warrant was executed at a property in Coominya on July 8 where police allegedly uncovered a large-scale cannabis production facility.

“This resulted in the seizure of 8253 cannabis plants, worth approximately $41.2 million, and 27 kilograms of dried cannabis worth more than $208,000,’’ he said.

“Officers also seized commercial-level drug manufacturing equipment and dismantled 24 grow houses.’’

Police arrested five people present at the property.

“Some allegedly attempted to leave the scene on foot before being arrested by police,” the spokesman said.

Huong Thi Le, 55, from Coominya, was charged with two counts each of producing dangerous drugs and possessing anything used in commission of a crime.

Ngoc Hoang Pham, 50, Coominya, was charged with one count each of producing dangerous drugs, and possessing dangerous drugs, and two counts of possessing anything used in commission of a crime.

Anh Van Pham, 51, Coominya, was charged with one count each of producing dangerous drugs, and possessing dangerous drugs, and two counts of possessing anything used in commission of a crime.

Thi Thao Hoang, 32, Coominya, was charged with one count each of producing dangerous drugs, and possessing dangerous drugs, and two counts of possessing anything used in commission of a crime.

Quang Van Hoang, 31, Coominya, was charged with one count each of producing dangerous drugs, and possessing dangerous drugs, and two counts of possessing anything used in commission of a crime.

The same day police executed a second search warrant at a property in Inala.

The police spokesman said detectives allegedly found more than 67kg of cannabis.

Thi Tuyet Suong Nguyen, 50, from Inala, was arrested at the scene and charged with one count each of producing dangerous drugs, possessing dangerous drugs and possessing anything used in commission of a crime.

All six people were remanded in custody and appeared at Richlands Magistrates Court today, July 9.

Magistrate Stuart Shearer said all of the accused were Vietnamese, and some were on tourist visas while allegedly “working on drug plantations”.

He noted that Quang Van Hoang was an unlawful citizen, who would likely be taken to an immigration detention centre if granted bail.

But none of the accused made any application for bail.

Mr Shearer ordered that briefs of evidence be provided to the prosecution by August 13.

Mr Hoang and Ms Hoang’s matters were adjourned to August 27.

Ms Le and Ms Nguyen’s matters were adjourned to August 20.

Ms Pham’s matter was adjourned to tomorrow, July 10, as her lawyers were unable to attend today.

Mr Pham’s matter was adjourned to September 2, and he will be required to appear over video link on that day.

All six accused were remanded in custody.

Acting Detective Superintendent Brad Phelps said the operation has brought significant charges over the past week.

The police spokesman said investigations were continuing with more arrests likely.

Originally published as Coominya, Inala Operation Whiskey Alon uncovers $42 million drug bust