Police raided a 4,000-acre property named Kinvarra at Warroo, near Inglewood in Queensland’s Southern Downs, on 2 July 2008 after a tip-off from a member of the public, and officers were surprised by the size of the crop.[1] What began as a seizure first estimated at $42 million grew as police found an extra 16,000 growing plants on top of 4,000 found the day before, plus eight tonnes of dried cannabis, taking the estimated worth to up to $500 million.[1][2]
Detective Chief Superintendent Ross Barnett called it far and away the largest cannabis seizure ever in Queensland and among the most significant nationally, citing 20,000 planted trees, eight tonnes of dried cannabis and kilometres of irrigation piping.[2] Officers of the State Crime Operations Command found an alleged harvesting operation hidden in two sheds said to be twice the size of a suburban house block, a loaded 9mm pistol and stores of ammunition for high-powered rifles.[2]
A 54-year-old man and his 28-year-old son, who had lived on the property for four years, were charged with producing and possessing a dangerous drug, unlawful possession of a handgun and possessing property suspected of being crime proceeds, and were remanded in custody to reappear in the Warwick Magistrates Court on 27 August.[1][2] Police said they were still searching for between four and six other people believed involved in growing or minding the crop, and were investigating the business arrangements and distribution network behind it.[2]
