Police have seized $60 million worth of cannabis, cash, vehicles and equipment following raids connected to a grow farm on the Fraser Coast last week.
Operation Victor Economy was established to target an organised crime group facilitating the commercial production and distribution of cannabis across Australia and has resulted in 18 people being charged with 80 drug related offences to date.
On November 7, detectives from the Drug and Serious Crime Group executed a search warrant at a property at Gungaloon, Fraser Coast, where they located a significant Cannabis grow farm.
Approximately 11,118 cannabis plants were located at the property, along with 515 kilograms of dried cannabis bud.
Police located and arrested 10 people at the property. Another man attempted to leave the scene upon arrival of detectives but was tracked down by the dog squad a short time later.
All 11 people have been charged with one count each of producing dangerous drugs, possessing dangerous drugs, and possessing items used or for use in the commission of crime.
They have all been remanded in custody and are expected to reappear at Maryborough Magistrates Court on January 23, 2024.
Police also executed 10 search warrants across Brisbane, Moreton, Sunshine Coast and Logan districts in connection to the Gungaloon property, where they further located a total of $521,000 in cash, 90 kilograms of cannabis, 245 grams of cocaine, 350 grams of ice, and 126 grams of MDMA.
Seven additional persons have been charged with 47 drug related offences as a result of the execution of these search warrants.
Those charged include a 22-year-old Boronia Heights man, who has been charged with three counts of trafficking dangerous drugs, one count of supplying dangerous drugs, three counts of possessing dangerous drugs, and one count each of possess utensils or pipes, possess anything used in the commission of crime and receiving or possessing property obtained from trafficking or supplying.
He has been remanded in custody and is expected to reappear at Richlands Magistrates Court on February 27, 2024.
A 43-year-old Inala man has also been charged with one count of trafficking dangerous drugs, one count of producing dangerous drugs, five counts of supplying dangerous drugs, one count of possessing dangerous drugs, two counts of possessing anything items used or for use in the commission of crime.
He has been remanded in custody and is expected to reappear at Richlands Magistrates Court on Thursday, November 10.
Detective Inspector Brad Phelps from the Drug and Serious Crime group said this operation has disrupted a major criminal syndicate.
"It will be alleged that the Gungaloon farm has been operational for approximately 18 months and was producing several hundred kilograms of cannabis per week.
"We've seized a significant quantity of drugs, plants, cash, assets and equipment as a result of these raids.
"The reality is that these dangerous drugs were destined for sale to some of the most vulnerable people within our state and beyond.
"Now they're out of the market, and those allegedly responsible will be brought to justice."
"The resources and funding required to establish and run commercial cannabis production facilities of this scale is significant.
"The seizure of over half a million dollars in cash along with significant assets provides an indication of the money generated by organised crime from cannabis production.
"The seizure of not only cannabis but ice, cocaine and MDMA in this investigation demonstrates that profit is the sole motivation for these criminal syndicates," Detective Inspector Phelps said.
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.
Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.
