Queensland Police have seized a massive $42 million worth of drugs in a series of raids across the state’s south-east.
On Monday, officers executed two search warrants at properties in Coominya and Inala in a targeted operation to combat “a major international drug syndicate involved in the manufacturing of cannabis”, a statement said.
Detectives from the Drug and Serious Crime Group State Drug Squad led the raids, which saw six people arrested and charged with a number of drug offences.
Authorities allege the first search, at a rural property in Coominya, uncovered a large-scale production facility, where officers seized 8,253 cannabis plants and 27 kilograms of dried cannabis.
It is estimated the plants hold a street value of approximately $41.2 million, while the dried cannabis is worth more than $208,000.
Officers also seized commercial-level drug manufacturing equipment and dismantled 24 grow houses.
Five people, including one described by police as an “unlawful citizen,” were present at the time of the raid and allegedly attempted to flee on foot before they were arrested.
Three women, aged 55, 51 and 32, were subsequently charged with a number of offences, including producing dangerous drugs and possessing anything used in commission of a crime.
The 51-year-old and 32-year-old were also charged with one count each of possessing dangerous drugs.
Two men, aged 50 and 31, were also charged with one count each of producing dangerous drugs and possessing dangerous drugs, as well as two counts of possessing anything used in commission of a crime.
