Cops seize $60m cannabis crop from rural QLD
Police have scored a major win against an alleged drug syndicate after unearthing a $60m cannabis crop.
Police have seized a staggering $60m worth of cannabis from Queensland’s southeast believed to be linked to a “sophisticated” syndicate.
More than 10 people were charged following the twin raids at rural properties in Coonambula and Mount Maria on July 28.
Detectives allegedly uncovered a whopping 4932 cannabis plants ranging in size from seedlings to full maturity at the Coonambula property.
The plants were allegedly contained in 11 greenhouses where police say they also located dried and drying cannabis as well as drug equipment.
The staggering haul has an estimated value of $24.7m, with five men being charged over the crop.
Four men were taken into custody at the property, while a fifth man was arrested the next day after allegedly also visiting the property.
Detectives from the Drug and Serious Crime Group have charged 11 people and seized a total of approximately $60 million of cannabis following two search warrants at rural properties at Coonambula and Mount Maria.
— Queensland Police (@QldPolice) August 3, 2023
More information: https://t.co/rs7xyTN4Oppic.twitter.com/pptRrRA2Vb
They were charged with producing and possessing drugs as well as possessing items used in the commission of a crime.
On Saturday, police launched a second multi-agency raid at a property in Mount Maria in the state’s Gladstone region.
Officers allegedly uncovered a further 6189 cannabis plants and 564.2kg of dried cannabis across 15 purpose-built greenhouses.
The crop has an estimated street value of $35.3, with police also allegedly locating drug equipment and a small amount of cocaine.
Police will allege in court that six men were tending to the crop when officers stormed the property.
The men ran into nearby bushland but were tracked down with assistance from the Dog Squad, police say.
Two men from Victoria and four from NSW were charged with two counts of possessing drugs and one count of possessing a dangerous drug.
They also face charges of possessing items for the commission of a crime and possessing drug utensils.
They were remanded into custody to appear before Bundaberg Magistrates Court later this month.
An 11th man was also remanded into custody the same day.
Detective Inspector Bradley Phelps said the haul was significant for police.
“Information from the local community was vital in assisting us to investigate and successfully execute these warrants,” Inspector Phelps said.
“While QPS has a number of investigative methods, information from the public is crucial in helping us disrupt alleged criminal activity.
“We thank everyone who has provided us information and urge anyone who may know something, no matter how small, to come forward.”
Operation Victor Alon is a protracted investigative operation targeting a sophisticated criminal syndicate.
The group is believed to use isolated Queensland properties to produce commercial cannabis to distribute across Australia.
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