Victoria Police’s Major Drug Squad uncovered more than 6,000 cannabis plants at a rural property in Leongatha South, in Gippsland, on Tuesday 22 October 2024.[1][2] Police counted 6,525 plants, from seedlings to mature plants, weighing 1.7 tonnes in total, and estimated their street value at more than AUD 26 million.[1][2] Police called it one of the biggest hauls seen in Victoria in recent times.[1][2]

Officers found a sophisticated hydroponic set-up with several commercial-sized hot houses, and believed the property was rented although they had not spoken to its owners.[1][2] It took three days and more than 15 police to dismantle and remove the plants, which were burned in an open area at the property.[2] Fire authorities helped clear the burnt material because the smoke was considered hazardous.[2]

Five Vietnamese nationals, four men and one woman, were arrested at the scene and charged with cultivating and trafficking a commercial quantity of cannabis.[1][2] They were remanded to face the Latrobe Magistrates’ Court in March.[1]