Police have charged six people, including two unlawful citizens, following the second major grow farm raid in Queensland this month.
Operation Victor Alon is the protracted investigation targeting organised crime groups operating across Queensland and throughout Australia.
On Tuesday, November 21, detectives from the Drug and Serious Crime Group executed a search warrant at a rural property in Rosedale (Central Region), where they uncovered another large-scale cannabis production facility.
A total of 13,670 cannabis plants were seized within 26 green houses. A total of 15,088 grams of dried cannabis was also located at the property.
Detectives estimate the dangerous drugs have a combined street value of approximately $68.5 million.
Six people, aged between 27 and 40-years-old, were arrested at the property and have been charged with multiple drug related offences including producing dangerous drugs, possessing dangerous drugs and possession of things for use in crime.
They have all been denied bail and are expected to appear at Bundaberg Magistrates Court in the coming days.
It will also be alleged that two of the people arrested are unlawful citizens of Australia and will be referred to the Australian Border Force.
It comes just two weeks after detectives raided a property in Gungaloon (Fraser Coast) on November 7, uncovering a similar amount of cannabis.
Detective Inspector Brad Phelps said detectives are looking into links between the grow farms.
“Between Operation Victor Alon and Operation Economy, this is the seventh farm identified and disrupted by the Drug and Serious Crime Group this year.
“We know that these groups operate within a sophisticated national network of production and supply, and we will continue to work through these connections as part of ongoing investigations.
“$68.5 million worth of cannabis is another huge amount to take out of supply, in addition to the $60 million worth that was seized earlier this month.
“These groups might be sophisticated but we know how they operate, and we remain committed to removing illicit drugs from our communities and targeting those who profit through the exploitation of vulnerable persons.” 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 or call 131 444.
Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.
