MAJOR Drug Squad (MDS) detectives have seized one of Victoria’s largest cannabis hauls in recent times which uncovered more than 6000 plants in regional Victoria.
Officers from the MDS, along with Morwell Divisional Response Unit and local uniform officers, executed a search warrant at the Koonwarra-Inverloch Road rural property in Leongatha South about 7.45am on Tuesday, October 22.
Four men and one woman were arrested at the address and a sophisticated hydroponic set-up was discovered in several commercial-sized hot houses.
Plants located ranged from seedlings through to mature-sized plants weighing in at 1.7 tonnes.
It’s estimated the overall crop of 6525 plants would have a street value of more than $26 million.
The five Vietnamese nationals arrested, four men and one woman - aged 54, 51, 47, 35 and 25 – were all charged with cultivate and trafficking a commercial quantity of cannabis.
They were remanded to appear in Latrobe Valley Magistrates’ Court on March 7, 2025.
“Combatting the impact of drugs on our community is a major focus of Victoria Police,” Major Drug Squad Detective Acting Inspector Leemara Fairgrieve said.
“This is one of the most significant and complex cannabis hydroponic set-ups that we have seen in recent times.
“Drugs are a major driver of crime – this investigation shows our ongoing commitment against the illicit substances trade within Victoria and criminals who are attempting to benefit from this type of community harm.
“We urge members of the community to report any suspicion of drug-related activity to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at crimestoppersvic.com.au.”
Police revealed that the operation was the result of information they received.
It’s understood the property, which was purchased in February 2024, contains at least two enclosed controlled-environment green-house growing areas measuring approximately 3500 sqm. Police said that the property was leased to the alleged perpetrators.
Police believe it will have a huge, significant impact on the illicit drug trade.
It took three days and a considerable amount of effort by up to 15 specialist police officers to exhibit the evidence, destroy the plants on site and clear up the scene.
Polioe noted that precautions were taken when the cannabis was burned by fire personnel, due to the hazardous smoke.
Crime scene guards remained at the site overnight while the recording of evidence proceeded and ultimately the plants were burned.
Watch an interview with Detective Acting Inspector Leemara Fairgrieve from the Major Drug Squad livestreamed on Youtube: