Police claim that since November, the syndicate transported $8 million worth of cannabis on commercial airlines to Brisbane, which was packed into the suitcases of drug mules.

The syndicate is believed to have operated for about two years, with the couriers allegedly making return trips between Melbourne and Brisbane every three days, where they would stuff up to 22 kilograms of cannabis in each suitcase.

Police said there was no evidence that airport staff in Melbourne or Brisbane helped the alleged smugglers.

Melbourne's Tullamarine Airport and the Brisbane Airport follow standardised domestic security screening policies set by the Federal Government.

Brisbane Airport spokeswoman Leonie Vandeven said under federal regulations, the airport's checked baggage screening technology was not designed to detect anything other than explosives.

"Airports do not have a regulated role in screening for general criminal activities, however when such behaviour is observed or detected through aviation security screening or otherwise, we work closely with agencies and support them where we can in dealing with criminal activities,” she said.

Melbourne Airport spokeswoman Carly Dixon said security screening at airports was “primarily focused on the safety and security of aircraft and their passengers”.

A spokeswoman for Department of Infrastructure and Transport Minister Warren Truss wouldn't say if the government would change its security procedures in light of the police investigation.

“The specific matter in question remains an open investigation by the Queensland Police Service and it would be inappropriate to make any further comment,” she said.

The Gold Coast-based syndicate was shut down by a joint operation by Victorian, Queensland and Australian Federal Police on Tuesday and Wednesday. A multi-million dollar haul of drugs, cash, luxury cars and property and other items were seized.

Police arrested one of the syndicate's members on Tuesday at the Brisbane Airport, where they allegedly found him carrying two suitcases full of drugs.

Six men faced the Southport Magistrates Court on Wednesday.

The alleged ringleader is 33-year-old Pimpana man Justin Corke who was remanded in custody until his bail hearing on April 2.

Matthew Stirling and Matthew Smyth were also remanded until the same date, while Barry Sneyd and Joshua Rohl will have their bail applications heard on March 31.

The sixth member, Jacob Koczan, was bailed and will re-appear in court on May 15.