Gold Coast police have shut down the Australian end of an international drug operation that has allegedly been smuggling illicit drugs into the country inside hollowed-out comic books.

Key points: Police raided nine Gold Coast properties and charged 10 people with drug offences

Police raided nine Gold Coast properties and charged 10 people with drug offences Inspector Smith says the 'ringleader' had travelled to the US numerous times since last October

Inspector Smith says the 'ringleader' had travelled to the US numerous times since last October He says police believe the drugs are coming to Queensland from southern California

After a six-month investigation, detectives from Operation Romeo Vigilant raided nine properties in Burleigh Heads, Burleigh Waters, Robina, Currumbin Waters, Austinville and Varsity Lakes.

They seized 3 kilograms of the drug methylamphetamine, also known as ice, as well as cannabis and a range of other items.

Police said the group smuggled $1 million worth of ice from the United States, sending the drugs to Australia through mail and courier services.

Ten people were charged, including a 49-year-old Gold Coast man of no fixed address — described as the ringleader of the group — who allegedly arranged the comic book operation.

Drugs were smuggled inside the comics in the US, police say. ( Supplied: Queensland Police Service )

Detective Inspector Brendan Smith said the man had travelled to the US more than a dozen times since October 2018 to organise the smuggling operation.

"We've identified the supplier over there and Homeland Security are working with local police in America to take law enforcement action over there," he said.

"We think it is coming from southern California, and as you'll appreciate, that is very close to the international borders of Mexico and such."

Inspector Smith said the operation was aided by information from people linked to the alleged offenders, and that the people arrested did not all know one other.

Police say comic books were hollowed out and drug packets inserted inside. ( Supplied: Queensland Police Service )

"Obviously we've got people out there that are in trouble with law, and they'll do anything to save themselves," he said.

"That's a message for offenders — there's no honour amongst thieves, they'll give up their mother if they think it will save themselves."

Inspector Smith said the raids would have a major impact on the sale of ice in Queensland.

"This operation has dismantled a significant criminal network and removed over 30,000 hits off Queensland streets," he said.

Police laid 40 charges, including trafficking and supplying dangerous drugs, money laundering, importing a border restricted drug, possession of dangerous drugs, stealing, possession of drug utensils and possession of proceeds of a drug offence.

The 10 people charged are due to appear in the Southport Magistrates Court over the next few months.