Qld drug syndicate could face VLAD charges

Queensland police believe they have made a significant dent in the Gold Coast cannabis market following the arrest of 11 people.

Members of an organised crime syndicate arrested over a $2.5 million haul of cannabis may also be charged under the Queensland government's controversial VLAD laws.

Gold Coast police intercepted a car on Wednesday night containing 90 kilograms of the drug.

It is alleged the two men in the vehicle drove over the border with the intention of selling it in Queensland.

Further raids across the Gold Coast, Brisbane and Sunshine Coast on Thursday morning recovered another 210 kilograms and a small quantity of methylamphetamine.

If sold in southeast Queensland, police say the cannabis would have a street value of $2.5 million.

A total of 11 people have been charged with drug offences, with possibly more to come.

Detective Inspector Stephen Blanchfield said the two men found with the 90-kilogram haul were believed to be "significant players" in the Gold Coast cannabis market.

"We think we have certainly made a significant impact on an organised criminal association," he said.

"We see this as a particularly big win."

The syndicate is not believed to be affiliated with outlaw motorcycle gangs.

Det Insp Blanchfield said police would consider charging the group under the controversial VLAD laws, even though they were under review following recommendations from retired Supreme Court justice Alan Wilson this month.

"That legislation is still current and we will use it if it's available to us," he said.

If convicted, each offender could face an additional 15 years behind bars.

The arrests were part of Operation Goldensilk, a 12-month investigation by the major and organised crime squad.


Share

2 min read

Published

Source: AAP



Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News daily and direct to your Inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Download our apps
SBS News
SBS Audio
SBS On Demand

Listen to our podcasts
An overview of the day's top stories from SBS News
Interviews and feature reports from SBS News
Your daily ten minute finance and business news wrap with SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves.
A daily five minute news wrap for English learners and people with disability
Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS
SBS World News

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service
Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world