Five charged as police seize 4,725 plants in Lockyer Valley greenhouse raids
Detectives raided two rural properties at Brightview and Mount Tarampa in the Lockyer Valley, seizing 4,581 cannabis plants from four greenhouses, 144 more plants at the second site and 28 kg of dried cannabis worth an estimated $1.7 million. Five men were charged over what police called a syndicate growing operation.
🇦🇺 Brightview and Mount Tarampa, Lockyer Valley, Queensland · Queensland, Australia
Detectives from the Drug and Serious Crime Group, with the Ipswich Tactical Crime Squad and Laidley police, raided a rural property on Redwood Drive, Brightview, on 17 May 2022 and found four greenhouses holding 4,581 cannabis plants of varying sizes, with hydroponic chemicals, irrigation and machinery police said was used for large-scale production.[1][2]Officers also seized28 kg of dried cannabis from a shed on the property.[1]A second search warrant the same afternoon at Boyces Road, Mount Tarampa, uncovered a greenhouse with a sophisticated hydroponics system and 144 more plants.[1]
Five men, aged 27, 27, 46, 36 and 21, were charged with producing a dangerous drug, possessing a dangerous drug and possessing anything used in the commission of a crime, and were due in the Ipswich Magistrates Court on 18 May.[1][2]Police valued the cannabis at the two properties at an estimated street value of $1.7 million and said both properties were being used by a criminal syndicate for large-scale production.[1]The men were remanded in custody with their matters to return to court later in the month.[2]
Police at a vacant home in Adelaide's Melrose Park uncovered eight cannabis grow rooms inside a large shed. Officers seized 142 cannabis plants, about half a kilogram of dried cannabis and hydroponic equipment.
Seven people were charged after NSW Police raids across Sydney on 11 November 2026, in which officers seized 497 g of cannabis along with cocaine, methamphetamine, cash and two firearms. The raids followed the arrest of a 41-year-old man at a Mascot shipping container on 31 October; all seven were refused bail.
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.
