ACT Policing has arrested nine people and seized drugs, cash and vehicles during a large-scale operation targeting cannabis grow houses across the ACT region this week.

Friday, 18 September 2026 9:05am

ACT Policing has arrested nine people and seized drugs, cash and vehicles during a large-scale operation targeting cannabis grow houses across the ACT region this week.

The operation involved the execution of 15 search warrants that resulted in multiple seizures including:

• 1586 cannabis plants
• Approximately 70kg of dried cannabis
• Six vehicles
• Approximately $86,000 AUD cash

On Monday (14 September 2026) seven people were arrested including four unlawful non-citizens;

• A 45-year-old man who was charged with participating in a criminal group and drug trafficking offences.
• A 50-year-old woman who was charged with participating in a criminal group, drug cultivation, and drug trafficking offences.
• A 55-year-old man who was charged with participating in a criminal group and drug cultivation offences.
• A 45-year-old woman who was charged with participating in a criminal group and drug cultivation offences.
• A 44-year-old man who was charged with participating in a criminal group and drug cultivation offences.
• A 46-year-old man who was charged with participating in a criminal group, drug trafficking, drug cultivation and contravening Section 3LA requirement offences.
• A 33-year-old man who was charged with participating in a criminal group, drug cultivation charges and contravening Section 3LA requirement offences.

On Tuesday (15 September 2026) two people were arrested including one unlawful non-citizen:

• A 44-year-old man who was charged with participating in a criminal group and drug cultivation offences.
• A 34-year-old woman who was charged with participating in a criminal group, contravening requirements in order under S3LA, possession of property suspected of criminal proceeds, and drug cultivation charges.

The operation utilised officers from across ACT Policing as well as specialist officers and staff from the AFP and Australian Border Force. Technicians from EvoEnergy also assisted to ensure grow houses were safe from electrical hazards.

As part of investigations, a grow house was also identified in Jerrabombera and NSW Police acted on this information.

Officer in Charge of the Drugs and Organised Crime Team, Detective acting Inspector Mark Battye said this operation had significantly impacted an organised crime group responsible for large scale commercial cannabis cultivation.

“This is the largest operation on grow houses we’ve ever conducted,” Detective acting Inspector Battye said.

“Cannabis remains an important cash generator for organised crime groups. The profits from these crops are used to fund illicit drug manufacture and importation as well as other criminal activities.

“We are confident that this week’s operation will cause a significant impact on this criminal group and its operation across the ACT region.”

ACT Policing is also reminding property owners who rent out properties to properly check identity documents when establishing the lease and to conduct regular inspections across the term of the lease.

The majority of the residences used as grow houses this week were rented privately via online platforms and without the use of property managers.

Aspects of grow house rentals identified by police include:

• The provision of counterfeit or false identity documents for lease establishment
• Avoidance by the renter of inspections
• Renters repainting or recarpeting properties without payment by the owner
• The payment of rent months in advance or above the initial asking price

Anyone who can assist police regarding the location of grow houses in the ACT is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or via the Crime Stoppers ACT website. Information can be provided anonymously.