A criminal scheme worth almost a quarter of a million dollars has been discovered after a fallen tree allegedly exposed a cannabis cultivation system inside a suburban rental home.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
A tree fell on a power line in Melbourne, on Batesford Road in Malvern East, exposing an electricity bypass to the house in March 2025, police said.
Workers with an energy company reported the suspicious wiring, and an investigation was launched by Victoria Police.
The home was searched by the Critical Response Team at 5.30am on May 1, and 90 cannabis plants were seized, police said.
But no one was at the rental property during the search and police have not made any arrests over the alleged discovery.
Investigators estimated the plants had a potential street value of $246,000.
Detective Senior Sergeant Scott Ishac said, "Crop houses can often go undetected, so the information that the community provides is invaluable".
"Some indicators of a potential crop house include the blinds staying closed or blacked-out windows, excess external wiring or cables, and occupants who are rarely seen, and when they are, it is often at unusual hours," he said.
"If you suspect a property in your neighbourhood may be a crop house, please make a report via Crime Stoppers and we will investigate. Remember, you can do this anonymously."
As enquiries continue, police are urging anyone with information to come forward and call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at www.crimestoppers.com.au.
Anna Houlahan
Anna Houlahan reports on crime and social issues affecting regional and remote Australia in her role as national crime reporter at Australian Community Media (ACM). She was ACM’s Trainee of the Year in 2023 and, aside from reporting on crime, has travelled the country as a journalist for Explore Travel Magazine. Reach out with news or updates to anna.houlahan@austcommunitymedia.com.au
