ACT Policing has arrested and charged a 44-year-old man for cannabis cultivation and trafficking offenses following search warrants at properties in Belconnen, Bonner, Moncrieff and Harrison earlier today (Monday, 23 March 2020).
The investigation arose after Queensland police located the fingerprints of the man on the seizure of 30kg of cannabis from a car in Willowbank, Queensland on 17 February 2020.
This resulted in search warrants being executed today in four suburbs and four cannabis grow houses being discovered. Within each of these homes, sophisticated and extensive hydroponic setups were in place to support the cultivation of the commercial crops.
The investigation has been conducted with the assistance of Queensland Police and the Australian Border Force.
Police seized 51 cannabis seedlings and 230 established plants of varied sizes. More than $90,000 worth of dried cannabis in single pound bags was seized.
During this investigation, police confirmed that fake identification was used to obtain tenancy agreements at each of the homes. There is no evidence that any of the home owners were aware their properties were being used for commercial cannabis production and these home owners will be many thousands of dollars out of pocket as a result of the damage and contamination of their properties.
Police encourage anyone who is renting a property – especially property managers – to confirm the validity of documents they are provided via ID Match and view the fake identification documents released today by ACT Policing. If you recognise these fake identification documents, please contact ACT Policing on 131 444.
Anyone with information about illegal drug cultivation or supply is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or via the Crime Stoppers ACT website. Information can be provided anonymously.
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