07:43 EDT, 29 April 2021
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Police have uncovered a large and sophisticated hydroponic cannabis operation and released dramatic footage of the moment they found the huge haul.
An estimated 27 kilograms of cannabis was recovered from 100 plants hidden inside four shipping containers at an industrial complex in Leo Valley Drive in Noosa, Queensland.
Four people were arrested in associated raids, including a 38-year-old Cooroy man at the Leo Valley Drive premises.
He was charged with drug trafficking, producing dangerous drugs, and possession.
One of the police search warrants was issued for a premises on Leo Valley Drive - where four shipping containers were searched and 100 cannabis plants found inside
About 27kg of plants were seized during raids on Wednesday. A 27 year old Coolum Beach man was charged with two counts of producing dangerous drugs as well as possession and other drug-related offences. A 25-year-old Eumundi woman was charged with producing dangerous drugs. The trio were due to appear in Noosa Magistrates Court on June 1. Another 36 year old man from Noosaville was charged with possession of a dangerous drug and was drug diverted. Detective Sergeant Tim Byrnes said on Wednesday there were at least seven rooms allegedly containing hydroponic marijuana which he said had an estimated street value of $100,000. We will allege the whole premise was being used for illicit purposes, he said.
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At least three people are expected to be charged after police uncovered an alleged drug syndicate operating under the guise of a business in Noosaville.
About 100 marijuana plants were allegedly seized after several raids across the Sunshine Coast on Wednesday.
Warrants were executed in Noosaville, Coolum and Cooroy as part of a drug operation undertaken by Noosa Heads Criminal Investigation Branch.
The alleged syndicate was operating as a pool restoration business.
Detective Sergeant Tim Byrnes said officers had been looking at the group for some time.
âThe place where they were growing it was signed up as a pool renovation business but we will allege that was basically a front just to give it the outward appearance that it was something legitimate,â he said.