Southern Downs farm busted in illegal labour raid

ILLEGAL farm workers have been caught in an early-morning raid at a Cottonvale farm.

Australian Border Force officers arrested 27 foreign workers at the I Luv Pty Ltd strawberry farm in the early hours of Tuesday, the Daily Telegraph has reported.

Operation Laconicum was part of a spate of nationwide ABF investigations which have targeted both illegal workers and the exploitation of foreign labour.

The raid followed police intercepting a car carrying four of the farm's workers last month.

Upwards of 30 officers descended on the farm, clearing out dormitory-style rooms after presenting a warrant to the farm manager.