FINGERPRINTS in QLD have led ACT police to four cannabis grow houses in Canberra today (March 23).
The discovery of grow houses in Belconnen, Bonner, Moncrieff and Harrison arose after QLD police located the fingerprints of a man during the seizure of 30kg of cannabis from a car in Willowbank, QLD, on February 17.
The man, a 44-year-old, was arrested and charged for cannabis cultivation and trafficking offences after the searches today, which found sophisticated and extensive hydroponic setups to support the cultivation of the commercial crops.
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 found 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 say.
Police are now encouraging 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.
If anyone recognises these fake identification documents, they are urged to contact ACT Policing on 131444. Anyone with information about illegal drug cultivation or supply is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333000, or via the Crime Stoppers ACT website.
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