On 13 July 2017, the Queensland State Drug Squad commenced Operation Papa Cider, targeting a drug trafficking network operating in South East Queensland. The network was responsible for trafficking commercial quantities of cannabis from Queensland and interstate based Vietnamese crime syndicates.
On 25 January 2018, police executed a search warrant at a property at Buaraba (west of Ipswich). Upon entering the premises, police located greenhouses and a shed with 3275 cannabis plants growing in a sophisticated commercial setup. Our client was located on the premises during the execution of the search warrant. Cash was also found.
Our client was initially denied bail despite not having any criminal history as he had no residence to go to in Queensland.
Our client was initially represented by another law firm, however engaged our office after being remanded in custody for some 8 months. Alan Phillips of our office applied for Supreme Court bail for our client who was granted bail to reside in Victoria.
At sentence, Scott Lynch of Counsel was briefed. Our client was sentenced to 3 years imprisonment, suspended after time served of approximately 8 months.
Given the extensive nature of the production of cannabis, and the clear commercial and sophisticated setup involved, the result was exceptional.
Production of cannabis exceeding 500 grams carries a maximum penalty of 20 years imprisonment.
If you are interested in our criminal lawyers acting on your behalf, please call either Alan Phillips on 3009 8469/0403 846 238 or Nicholas Crawford on 3009 8467/0410 413 107.
