THE Civic restaurant, Courgette, has allegedly been used to launder cash obtained through the sale of cannabis in the ACT.

Following raids at a home in Bonner and Holt, as well as a raid of the Civic restaurant, ACT police allege that a 28-year-old Holt man was responsible for the distribution of significant quantities of cannabis in the region, while a 49-year-old Bonner man was responsible for facilitating the laundering of cash earned by the Holt man, via the restaurant he operates in the city.

During the searches, police discovered more than $135,000 in cash, a gel blaster firearm, a commercial money counter, electronic devices and a quantity of steroids.

Under proceeds of crime legislation, police have restrained the Bonner residence and three vehicles, including a white Lamborghini coupe, a BMW 4-series sedan and a grey Ford Ranger. They have also restrained a number of bank accounts.

Police believe all restrained items are worth more than $1 million.

The 49-year-old has been charged with multiple offences including three counts of dealing in the proceeds of crime, perjury, money laundering, perverting the course of justice, making false evidence and using a false document.

The 28-year-old man has been charged with trafficking cannabis, four counts of dealing in the proceeds of crime, perjury, two counts of money laundering, perverting the course of justice, making false evidence, using a false document and failing to comply with a 3LA order.

Following the charges, Supt Scott Moller said unfortunately Canberra is like all other cities when it comes to the illicit drug trade – there are those that seek to profit from these illegal activities.

Anyone that has information regarding drug trafficking or money laundering in the ACT is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333000, or via the Crime Stoppers ACT website.