Detectives have seized $42 million worth of drugs following the arrest of six people in cannabis raids across southeast Queensland yesterday, July 8.
Operation Whiskey Alon, led by detectives from the Drug and Serious Crime Group State Drug Squad, targeted a major international drug syndicate involved in the manufacturing of cannabis.
Yesterday, July 8, police executed a search warrant at rural property in Coominya where they allegedly uncovered a large-scale cannabis production facility, resulting in the seizure of:
- 8,253 cannabis plants (worth approximately $41.2 million); and
- 27 kilograms of dried cannabis (worth more than $208,000).
Officers also seized commercial-level drug manufacturing equipment and dismantled 24 grow houses.
Five people, including one unlawful citizen, who were present at the time, allegedly attempted to leave the scene on foot before being arrested by police:
- A 55-year-old Coominya woman has been charged with two counts each of producing dangerous drugs and possessing anything used in commission of a crime.
- A 50-year-old Coominya man has been 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.
- A 51-year-old Coominya woman has been 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.
- A 32-year-old Coominya woman has been 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.
- A 31-year-old Coominya man has been 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.
It will be alleged at another search warrant executed on July 8 at a property in Inala, detectives located more than 67 kilograms of cannabis.
A 50-year-old Inala woman 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 have been remanded in custody and are due to appear at Richlands Magistrates Court today, July 9.
Acting Detective Superintendent Brad Phelps said the Operation has brought significant charges over the past week.
"Operation Whiskey Alon has seen detectives infiltrate a drug distribution network operating across borders and remove $42 million worth of drugs, including 94 kilograms of cannabis, from our streets.
"The disruption of this cannabis production facility and safe house will impact the organised crime syndicate behind this offending. It will remove a lucrative income stream for organised crime who continue to attempt to profit though the production and trafficking of cannabis."
"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," Acting Detective Superintendent Phelps said.
Investigations are continuing with more arrests likely.
If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting or call 131 444.
Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.
