Queensland public servants linked to drug syndicate spanning three states, police say

Queensland Government employees are among those involved in a drug operation spanning three states, police say.

Detectives from Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria have been investigating the group for the past year, seizing cannabis, amphetamines, cash, stolen goods, real estate and other assets valued at more than $13 million.

Officers have also seized more than $200,000 in cash.

More than a dozen properties across Queensland's Gold Coast, Townsville in the state's north and in Victoria were raided this morning as part of the investigation into the importation of more than 1.5 tonnes of cannabis into Queensland.

Police say some Queensland public servants helped a syndicate that distributed cannabis on the Gold Coast, Brisbane and Townsville in the state's north.

The haul includes allegedly stolen gemstones, heavy machinery, boats and caravans found at Guanaba in the Gold Coast hinterland last month.

Twenty-one people have been charged with 42 offences including the possession, supply and trafficking of dangerous drugs.

Queensland police say they will seek the extradition of a number of people from Victoria and New South Wales.

Detective Acting Superintendent Scott Knowles says Queensland's Crime and Misconduct Commission is investigating a State Government connection to the syndicate.

He says he cannot say which Government department is involved.

"We did identify a link between this organisation and a person or persons within a Government department," he said.

"The matter was referred to the Crime and Misconduct Commission to investigate further."

A CMC spokesperson confirmed the commission had provided assistance to the Queensland police investigation.

"Aspects of the CMC's involvement in this matter are ongoing," the spokesperson said.

"It is therefore inappropriate for the CMC to comment further."