Police shut down $235m marijuana operation at Isis Central
Fourteen people have been arrested in a raid on a sophisticated drug syndicate operation growing 47,000 marijuana plants in 51 greenhouses right beside the Bruce Highway.
An extensive drug operation at Isis Central near Apple Tree Creek growing almost 47,000 marijuana plants and seedlings with a street value of more than $235m has been shut down in a massive police operation.
Police said in a statement released Thursday afternoon the operation was shut down by its Drug and Serious Crime squad with help from Bundaberg, Wide Bay and Childers police.
Fourteen people, including 12 men and two women all aged from 25 to 52, have been charged over the operation which was running on a property next to the Bruce Hwy.
Each person was charged with one count each of producing, possessing a dangerous drug (cannabis) and possessing items used in the production.
Police will allege the facility comprised of 51 greenhouses, each about 80m long.
Inside police said they located and seized 46,894 marijuana plants and seedlings, as well as generators, hydroponics and other equipment allegedly used to grow the drug.
The marijuana has all been destroyed and the equipment dismantled, police said.
Investigations, including any possible links to a similar large commercial-scale operation in Boondooma shut down on August 4, 2022, are continuing, police said.
“These criminal syndicates have no regard for the workers or their living conditions, the environment or the wider harms illicit drugs cause to the community,” Detective Inspector Brad Phelps said.
“Criminal syndicates are motivated by profit. These types of operations are linked to money laundering with profits sent offshore and used to fund other criminal activities.”
