As part of an ongoing successful operation targeting the production, distribution and trafficking of cannabis, seven people have been charged and over $5,000,000 worth of cannabis seized.
Operation Papa Cider, an ongoing operation conducted by State Crime Command's Drug and Serious Crime Group has already resulted in many arrests, including the arrest of two people and the seizure of $1,350,000 worth of cannabis seized from growhouses in Moorooka, Upper Mount Gravatt and Annerley on June 15.
On March 26, detectives from the Drug and Serious Crime Group, assisted by members of Warwick CIB and Toowoomba Dog Squad executed a search warrant at a Kessler Road, Old Talgai address.
During the search, police located 1825 cannabis plants with an estimated value of $4,562,500 and over 139 kilograms of dried cannabis with a value of $918,000.
Three people were arrested at this location and were charged with production and possession of dangerous drugs charges. Representatives from the Australian Border Force (ABF) attended to conduct migration status checks and to interview persons of interest, and also to check for other border-related offences. The ABF confirmed that two of the individuals were unlawful non-citizens and one was working in breach of a Bridging Visa.
On March 27, a 48-year-old woman, two men (both aged 46) and a 45-year-old man were arrested following the interception of vehicles in the Leyburn area.
Four of the offenders were charged at the Warwick watchhouse and held in custody to appear before the Warwick Magistrates Court yesterday morning.
"Operation Papa Cider is about more than just the production and trafficking of dangerous drugs on our streets. We have been working closely with our partners at the ABF and the Australian Federal Police to target the exploitation of unlawful non-citizens for the sole purpose of producing and manufacturing these drugs.
"Our approach is to target the high level distributor who is reaping lucrative benefits from an illicit drug all the while removing themselves from the crime and reinvesting the profits into other illicit activities directly impacting on our community," Detective Superintendent Jon Wacker of the Drug and Serious Crime Group said.
ABF QLD Regional Commander Terry Price praised the outcome.
"Once again this result highlights what can be achieved when we work closely with state law enforcement. The ABF is committed to combatting criminal conduct such as this as we fight to keep the Australian community safe," Regional Commander Price said.
If you have information for police, contact Policelink on 131 444 or provide information using the online form 24hrs per day.
You can report information about crime anonymously to Crime Stoppers, a registered charity and community volunteer organisation, by calling 1800 333 000 or via crimestoppersqld.com.au 24hrs per day.
