Police undo major drug syndicate in Cairns

[xShivaspacetechnologyx]

Police yesterday reaped the results of a tenacious drug operation when they uncovered three highly sophisticated hydroponics laboratories in three Cairns suburbs.

 

The laboratories were located at East Trinity, Palm Cove and Smithfield and are believed to have been part of an organised syndicate based around large-scale cannabis production.

 

It is alleged the first laboratory, protected by a high-tech surveillance system, was located in a shed at an East Trinity slipway. It is alleged police found 64 high quality cannabis sativa plants, most of which were ready for harvesting, plus 17 kilograms of cannabis sativa ‘heads’ in a drying room.

 

Police then searched a Palm Cove residence where it is alleged they located another sophisticated hydroponics laboratory housing 16 mature cannabis plants weighing nine kilograms and 200 grams of cannabis sativa.

 

In a third search at a Smithfield residence an Australian Customs drug detection dog led police to a secret bunker under the house which is alleged to have been equipped with a hydroponics laboratory.

 

At the Smithfield residence, it is alleged a small quantity of cannabis was also located in a rear shed along with further hydroponics equipment.

 

A 49-year-old Palm Cove man, a 47-year-old Palm Cove woman, a 36-year-old Smithfield man and a 53-year-old Whitfield man have all been charged with trafficking in cannabis sativa and numerous drug charges related to the unlawful production of a dangerous drug.

 

All four appeared in the Cairns Magistrates Court today and were granted bail to reappear on May 16.

 

Around $50,000 in cash was also seized and is being treated as tainted property and inquires are continuing.

 

Anyone with information which could assist police with their investigations should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

 

 

Last updated 20/02/2008

 

Media and Public Affairs Branch

07 3015 2444

[iamnotacop]

Police then searched a Palm Cove residence where it is alleged they located another sophisticated hydroponics laboratory housing 16 mature cannabis plants weighing nine kilograms and 200 grams of cannabis sativa.

 

I would love for someone to challenge this by proving they were growing Cannabis Indica. But I am sure as hell not moving to QLD to test the law.

[Reverend]

bright cops, yet a botanist couldn't tell the difference between a tomato plant a cannabis plant, so it was stated today.

[WantDaChronic]

you'd think with a good lawyer they'd get off on the basis they grew cannabis indica in an indoor grow room instead of cannabis sativa in a laboratory

[mullray]

I logged in to say the indica v sativa thing as well but was well beaten to the punchline. These reports are depressing.

 

Don't think legally you could contest this in court. Growing mj is illegal whether it be indica or sativa. Laboratory/growroom yep .... scary!!!

[TheTreeBoundRat]

Heres the 16 plant setup on you tube. Kinda creepy cause theres no noise.

 

http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=xbTQT-1aV_I

[pipeman]

the sativa/indica thing is not a valid defense, and has been tried before. The reason is the law defines what cannabis sativa is, and its basically any plant containing over 0.3% THC.