A six-month joint operation by Queensland Police, the Australian Crime Commission and the Australian Border Force shut down an alleged Vietnamese cannabis syndicate running grow houses across south-east Queensland.[1][2] In a two-day closure on 15 and 16 December 2015, 240 officers searched 27 properties, including 20 purpose-built hydroponic grow houses in Brisbane’s south.[1][2]

Police seized 3,704 cannabis plants and 45 kg of dried cannabis along with an unstated quantity of cocaine, putting the combined street value at about $20 million, plus a significant amount of cash.[1][2] Homes had been remodelled specifically for hydroponic production, and a warehouse at Acacia Ridge packed to the rooftop with $1.3 million of growing equipment was allegedly supplying growers across Brisbane.[1] Police said the syndicate used Vietnamese students and overstayers as crop-sitters and had links to Victoria and South Australia.[1][2]

Thirty-seven people were charged with more than 100 offences, including three charged under Queensland’s anti-association laws; the alleged Victorian-based principal was arrested on Hamilton Island during a family holiday.[1][2] Fourteen unlawful non-citizens found during the raids were detained for removal by the Border Force.[1]