General News
4 December, 2023
Police seize $11 million worth of cannabis from Maryborough and Dunluce properties
In an “enormous win” against illicit drugs, authorities have seized over 1.4 tonnes of cannabis, worth about $11 million from multiple properties in regional Victoria, including one address in Maryborough and another in Dunluce. Detectives from...
In an “enormous win” against illicit drugs, authorities have seized over 1.4 tonnes of cannabis, worth about $11 million from multiple properties in regional Victoria, including one address in Maryborough and another in Dunluce.
Detectives from the Major Drug Squad have arrested eight people as part of an investigation into an Asian organised crime syndicate allegedly cultivating large commercial quantities of cannabis across remote areas in the state.
Locally, investigators executed a search warrant at a large property spanning 13 acres on Bealiba South Road in Dunluce — with the assistance of the Air Wing, the Special Operations Group roped into the property at around 9 am on November 29, and found a number of greenhouses containing almost 1400 cannabis plants, weighing approximately 800 kilograms, at various stages of maturity.
Infrastructure was also in place to support the cultivation of cannabis, including freshly dug large dams, irrigation and pumps around the property as well as a large number of solar panels and a generator.
Two male Vietnamese nationals, a 32-year-old and 42-year-old, were both charged with cultivate large commercial quantity of cannabis.
They were remanded to appear at Bendigo Magistrates’ Court on March 6, 2024.
In Maryborough, on November 27, investigators from the Central Goldfields Crime Investigation Unit executed a search warrant at a Box Street address.
A sophisticated hydroponic set up was located, and police seized over 250 cannabis plants at varying stages of maturity.
Two other properties were raided as part of the operation — in Kamarooka and a residential address in Deer Park, where authorities seized around 1800 and 250 cannabis plants respectively.
Subsequently, in an outcome similar to Dunluce, three Vietnamese nationals at the address in Kamarooka, were all charged with cultivate large commercial quantity of cannabis.
In relation to the raid in Deer Park, another trio of Vietnamese nationals were interviewed and released pending further enquiries.
With assistance from the Country Fire Authority, all of the plants were burned on site.
According to Organised Crime Division Detective Superintendent Dave Cowan, the raid was a successful reminder to those engaged in similar activities that they weren’t out of the law’s reach.
“The arrest of eight people and the seizure of over $11 million worth of illicit drugs is an enormous win for these regional communities,” he said.
“Drugs are a significant driver of crime and community harm across the state and remain a strong focus for Victoria Police.
“These properties are incredibly remote and there were a number of sophisticated measures in place in an attempt to remain undetected by authorities.
“Organised crime entities living in rural parts of the state who think their distance from the city affords them anonymity or impunity — you are sadly mistaken.You will be held to account no matter where you are. It is as simple as that.”
Anyone with information about illicit drug activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.
com.au.