Two men charged after trying to save huge amount of cannabis from Grampians bushfires

Two men have been charged in a bizarre drug bust after they tried to save a huge amount of cannabis from the Grampians bushfires.

Two men have been charged after allegedly being caught attempting to move a load of cannabis under threat from the bushfires in the Grampians. Picture: NCA NewsWire

Two men who tried to save their weed crop that was under threat from the Grampians bushfires were foiled by police.

A 36-year-old Deer Park man and a 37-year-old Sunshine West man have been charged after allegedly attempting to move a “commercial quantity” of cannabis under threat from the bushfire in the Moyston area.

An abandoned truck was found around White Patch Road, Moyston about 4pm on Christmas Eve following reports of three trucks spotted in the fire-evacuated area.

One truck was found with a load of mature cannabis plants stashed in the back.

Police allegedly found a load of mature cannabis plants in the rear of the truck. Picture: David Crosling

A second truck was later found near the intersection of Wilde Lane and Moyston-Dunkeld Road, with two occupants inside.

Police allegedly located and seized a quantity of growing mix and keys to the first truck.

The pair were arrested before a third truck was located, allegedly also containing a large quantity of cannabis.

The three trucks were seized and stored until the threat of the fire had passed.

Police also searched a residence on White Patch Road Moyston on Christmas Day, allegedly locating a further supply of cannabis plants.

The pair have been charged with cultivating a commercial quantity of narcotic plant, cultivating a narcotic plant and dealing with property suspected of being proceeds of crime.

They have been remanded to appear at the Ballarat Magistrates’ court on Thursday.