Alleged cannabis haul exposed by ‘Singapore sized’ bushfire

Two men have been charged after allegedly trying to move a commercial quantity of cannabis away from the destructive Grampians bushfires.

The compound was concealed behind this fence. Picture: 7NEWS.

Charges have been laid after a ‘Singapore sized’ bushfire exposed a large cannabis growing operation in regional Victoria.

Police allege two men were caught trying to move a large haul of cannabis out of the Grampians bushfire evacuation zone on Christmas Eve.

Responding to reports of three suspicious trucks spotted in the zone, police found one of them abandoned at the intersection of Wilde Lane and Bowen Mine Roads.

Police then inspected the truck before discovering a large load of mature cannabis plants. A second truck was then located a short distance away with two occupants inside.

After seizing the cannabis, trucks, and a large quantity of growing mix, the officers then arrested the 36-year-old Deer Park man and his 37-year-old accomplice from Sunshine West.

Officers then executed a search warrant at a compound on White Patch Road, where they allege they found even more plants.

The cannabis haul was allegedly being moved from growhouses in this Moyston compound. Picture: 7NEWS.

Both 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.

Investigations are ongoing, and the pair have been remanded to appear at the Ballarat Magistrates court on January 2.

While state emergency officials downgraded all warnings to “watch and act” or “stay informed” as firefighters start to get on top of the blazes, the blaze will continue to burn through Grampians National Park for weeks.