Detectives from the Crime and Intelligence Command's Drug and Serious Crime Group have charged two men and located elaborate hydroponic growing systems as part of a joint agency operation targeting the unlawful production of cannabis.
Police executed multiple search warrants at properties in Inala, Acacia Ridge, Slacks Creek and Loganholme yesterday. As a result of the searches police seized approximately $1.61 million worth of drugs, including 395 cannabis plants and 94.6kg of dried cannabis.
Over $100,000 in cash and two vehicles were also seized.
Hydroponic growing systems, valued at $175,000 were located at industrial properties in Slacks Creek and Loganholme. All were actively being used in the production of cannabis and were subsequently destroyed.
A 33-year-old Inala man has been charged with 15 drug related charges including trafficking, producing and possessing dangerous drugs. He appeared in the Brisbane Magistrates Court this morning.
A 29-year-old Acacia Ridge man has been charged with 14 drug related charges including trafficking, producing and possessing dangerous drugs. He appeared in the Brisbane Magistrates Court this morning.
Simultaneously, Victoria Police investigators arrested three men and located a substantial amount of cannabis plants and cash in Braeside and Sunshine West following the execution of multiple search warrants.
Detective Acting Superintendent Troy Pukallus of the Drug and Serious Crime Group said that police will continue to target the people that produce, supply and traffic drugs.
"The people who run these operations are committing criminal offences and they are often involved in international drug and crime syndicates. Every drug type police seize contributes to the safety of our community," Detective Acting Superintendent Pukallus said.
"These arrests are the result of thorough investigative work and an excellent partnership between police across the country, who remain united in the fight against interstate drug syndicates and organised criminal behaviour."
Operation Romeo Defy commenced in September 2019 to investigate the criminal activities of a national organised crime group involved in producing and trafficking cannabis throughout Australia
During the investigation, Detectives from the Drug and Serious Crime Group established strong collaborative partnerships with investigators and intelligence officers from other agencies to enable the sharing of knowledge, devise innovative strategies capable of working across state boundaries to ensure the successful disruption of this national crime syndicate.
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.
You can report information about crime anonymously to Crime Stoppers, a registered charity and community volunteer organisation, via crimestoppersqld.com.au 24hrs per day.
