Published: 14:46, August 4, 2023 | Updated: 17:02, August 4, 2023
Aussie police seize over $39m worth of cannabis, arrest 11
By Xinhua

SYDNEY - Australian police have charged 11 people after a seizure of approximately 60 million Australian dollars (about $39.5 million) worth of cannabis in the state of Queensland.

Queensland police said in a statement on Friday that a search warrant was executed in Coonambula on July 28, where detectives located 11 alleged greenhouses measuring 50 meters in length and nine meters in width.

The greenhouses contained 4,932 cannabis plants, ranging from seedlings to full maturity as well as dried and drying cannabis, which had an estimated street value of 24.7 million Australian dollars (about 16.24 million dollars).

Four men were arrested at the scene and remanded in custody, to appear before Bundaberg Magistrates Court on Oct 3, 2023. A fifth man was arrested the following day, after appearing on the property with drug equipment and resources

Four men were arrested at the scene and remanded in custody, to appear before Bundaberg Magistrates Court on Oct 3, 2023.

A fifth man was arrested the following day, after appearing on the property with drug equipment and resources.

He was remanded in custody to appear before Bundaberg Magistrates Court on Aug 24, after being charged with producing dangerous drugs and possessing anything for use in the commission of a crime.

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On July 29, a further search warrant was executed in Mount Maria, with officers finding 15 sophisticated hydroponic, purpose-built greenhouses.

The greenhouses contained 6,189 cannabis plants and 564.23 kg of dried cannabis, at an estimated street value of 35.3 million Australian dollars (about 23.21 million dollars).

Officers also located a significant amount of drug-related equipment and a small amount of cocaine. A subsequent search with the assistance of the dog squad led to the arrest of six men. They were taken into custody and treated for minor injuries sustained in the bushland.

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A 28-year-old man was remanded in custody, to appear before Bundaberg Magistrates Court on Aug 17, while the remaining five men would appear before Bundaberg Magistrates Court on Oct 3.