Australian police make major drug bust

PHOTO

Police seize cannabis plants in a major drug operation. [ABC]

Last Updated: Wed, 18 Apr 2012 14:10:00 +1000

Police in the Australian state of Victoria say they've broken one of the state's largest drug cultivation networks.

It allegedly involves a crime syndicate in Vietnam.

Police say they've made one of the most significant cannabis hauls in Victoria's history and unravelled a $AU 29 million drug cultivation ring.

On Wednesday morning, 250 officers raided 29 properties in suburbs in the state's capital, Melbourne. So far more than 5000 cannabis plants have been seized but officers are still working to establish the size of the crops.

The raids were the culmination of a seven-month long investigation which allegedly involves a crime syndicate in Vietnam.

Eleven people have been arrested. The Australian Federal Police, Immigration department and Tax Office were also involved in the operation.