A Vietnamese criminal syndicate allegedly operating a series of cannabis grow houses in south-east Queensland has been shut down after a six-month joint operation by Queensland Police, Border Force and the Australian Crime Commission.

In raids yesterday and this morning, 240 officers searched 27 properties including 20 grow houses in Brisbane's south, seizing more than 3,700 cannabis plants.

Police said the homes had been remodelled specifically for producing hydroponic cannabis.

Another of the properties raided was a warehouse at Acacia Ridge, also in Brisbane's south, which police said was packed to the rooftop with growing equipment, worth $1.3 million.

Police said the warehouse resembled a hardware store and was believed to have been used to supply equipment to grow house operators across Brisbane.

The operation resulted in the seizure of 45 kilograms of dried cannabis and cocaine with a street value of approximately $20 million along with a significant amount of cash, police said.

Thirty-seven people have been charged with more than 100 offences.

Detective Acting Superintendent Mark Slater said the syndicate had interstate connections.

"It's a very sophisticated organised criminal network with links to Victoria," he said.

"One of those persons arrested was arrested on Hamilton Island this morning, [and] is one of the principals of the syndicate, who resides in Victoria."

Three of those arrested have also been charged under the Queensland Government's Vicious Lawless Association Disestablishment legislation.

Detective Acting Superintendent Slater said Vietnamese nationals were part of the network.

"We've identified a number of unlawful non-citizens and people who have breached their current visas within Australia, and they're subject to action with our partners in Border Force," he said.

Australian Border Force (ABF) Regional Commander Terry Price said the raids were successful.

"The operation located 25 people of interest to the ABF, which included 14 unlawful non-citizens, and those not facing police charges have been detained ahead of their removal from Australia," he said.

Police said they expected to make further arrests.