Police seize cannabis

POLICE have uncovered more than 11,000 cannabis plants near Esk in Coominya, Mount Hallen and Churchable. The plants were allegedly produced by two men in their 20s .

The State Crime Command’s Drug and Serious Crime Group with assistance of police from the southern region completed a significant drug enforcement operation on Wednesday seizing 11,795 cannabis plants.

Search warrants were executed at the three properties with police discovering separate sophisticated hydroponic grow houses. The plants ranged in size from small seedlings through to mature plants, 1.5 metres in height.

A large seizure of product was also located in various stages of the drying process being prepared for distribution.

Two men, aged 24 and 26, were located during the raids at Coominya and were both charged with producing dangerous drugs. Both are expected to appear in the Ipswich Magistrates Court on January 10.

Detective Superintendent Jon Wacker of the State Crime Command Drug and Serious Crime Group said the location and seizure of this cannabis was very significant and would have a major impact on the availability of drugs in the South East Queensland drug markets.

“Prior to the execution of yesterday’s search warrants investigations throughout Operation Papa Cider had already netted the arrest of seven people on 10 charges and the seizure of approximately 87kg of cannabis,” he said. “The estimated value of cannabis seized throughout this operation to date stands at approximately $60 million.”

Police launched Operation Papa Cider in July, focusing on the production and trafficking of marijuana in the southeast, specifically in the South Brisbane and Brisbane Valley areas.