2,628 cannabis plants seized in Gungal grow-house raid
Strike Force Harthouse detectives raided a rural property at Gungal in the Hunter region on 20 August 2020, seizing 2,628 cannabis plants worth an estimated A$7.8 million from 12 industrial grow houses. Two men were arrested and charged over the large-scale cultivation operation.
🇦🇺 Gungal, near Muswellbrook, New South Wales · New South Wales, Australia
Drug and Firearms Squad detectives established Strike Force Harthouse in
November 2019 to investigate cannabis cultivation and supply across New South
Wales.[1]Following that investigation, strike force detectives executed a
crime scene warrant at a property on the Golden Highway at Gungal, about 58
kilometres south-east of Muswellbrook, from 9am on Thursday 20 August
2020.[1]
During the search, officers seized 2,628 cannabis plants with an estimated
potential street value of A$7.8 million.[1]They also found equipment for
cannabis cultivation inside 12 large-scale industrial grow houses, which were
dismantled.[1]
Two men aged 24 and 29 were arrested at the property and taken to Muswellbrook
Police Station.[1]Both were charged with cultivating a prohibited plant in a
large commercial quantity, refused bail, and were due to appear at Muswellbrook
Local Court on Friday 21 August 2020.[1]Detectives said investigations under
the strike force were continuing.[1]
Case data
Every number and detail the sources state, with the sources that state it.
Police seized 521 mature hydroponically grown cannabis plants and cultivation equipment while searching a home on Brooks Parade in Belmont, Lake Macquarie, and two neighbouring properties on 9 November 2026. No occupants were found; police put the plants' potential street value at $1,042,000 and said inquiries were continuing.
ACT Policing charged two 35-year-old men, one with trafficking a trafficable quantity of cannabis, after searching a Turner home on 7 November and seizing dried cannabis, several other drugs, about $110,000 in cash and two luxury cars. The homeowner was refused bail on 9 November; the second man, arrested on a warrant, applied for bail.
Victoria Police arrested and charged two Highett men, aged 48 and 67, after a 29 October 2026 warrant on Peace Street. Officers seized cannabis, hydroponic equipment and other drugs; one man is remanded and the other is on bail.
Hunter Valley police seized 280 plants at Denman on 29 September 2026 and 925 more at Muswellbrook and Singleton Heights on 1 October, taking Operation Cages to 1,465 plants worth about $4 million; two men, 36 and 56, were charged and refused bail.
