Police have shut down a large drug operation in southern Queensland, seizing what they allege is almost $40 million worth of cannabis.
Key points:
- Seven men have been charged with drug offenses
- More than 15,000 cannabis plants were seized from the former cattle property
- The drugs had an estimated street value of $40 million
Queensland Police arrested seven men, aged between 35 and 46 after raiding a rural property at Boondooma, about 330 kilometers north-west of Brisbane.
Police said when they arrived at the former cattle station around 6am on August 5, they found several large greenhouses, measuring about 130 meters by 60 meters.
Officers allegedly seized more than 15,000 cannabis plants and 50 kilograms of dried cannabis, as well as generators and hydroponic equipment.
Police said the cannabis seized had a street value of about $39.9 million.
The seven men have been charged with producing and possessing a dangerous drug.
Ninh Van Nguyen, 43, Minh Van Troung, 41, Van Tuan Dang, 46, The Dung Le, 42, Van Tuan Ngo, 40, Tony Anh Cao, 36, and Hieu Huu Nguyen, 35, appeared in the Murgon Magistrates Court on Saturday.
They were remanded in custody with the case adjourned for mention in the same court on August 16.
The raid was the result of an arrest in July, when 200 kilograms of cannabis was allegedly seized from a car that was stopped on the Warrego Highway at Helidon.
It is alleged the cannabis had come from the property at Boondooma.
Police have destroyed the cannabis plants seized and dismantled the hydroponic equipment found at the site.
Investigations are continuing.
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