Clifford Worsley, Theodore Lyons plead guilty to producing cannabis after ‘MadCanna’ investigation

Two Sunshine Coast men who admitted to growing cannabis were raided following a major drug sting led by the Australian Border Force and police targeting international drug packages.

Clifford John Worsley (left) and Theodore Michael Lyons (right) were both charged following an investigation into the “Madcanna” website. Pictures: Sam Turner/Patrick Woods

Two Sunshine Coast men have been picked up in a targeted drug sting headed by police and the Australian Border Force.

The investigation sparked by South Burnett detectives was probing the alleged trafficking of cannabis seeds through a website named “madcanna.com.au”.

The Maroochydore Magistrates Court was told in December last year during the operation the ABF intercepted international packages allegedly addressed to the “primary target” in Kingaroy containing 7000 marijuana seeds.

The “primary target” was not Worsley or Lyons.

An operation started with a search in August last year at the “primary target’s” address allegedly finding evidence that showed the supply of cannabis seeds online to nearly 2000 customers.

Following their investigations, police conducted simultaneous raids at Clifford John Worsley’s Buderim home and Theodore Michael Lyons’ North Arm address on November 19 last year.

The court was told Kingaroy detectives were present at Worsley’s raid where 17 cannabis plants were found spread across two grow tents in a spare room.

Clifford John Worsley after his sentence. Picture: Sam Turner

Police prosecutor Pedau Grabbe said the plants were 15 to 30 cm in height, with the 31-year-old telling officers he grew cannabis to make oil for his sick elderly dog, but admitted he did smoke some of it.

During the raid police found 38g of marijuana along with small amounts of cannabis oil, acid tabs and mushrooms.

Grow equipment was also present in the Buderim man’s home which included fans and tents as well as drug utensils.

Police say Worsley admitted to buying the seeds from “madcanna” through two deliveries, however the second never arrived.

During a separate sentence hearing in December last year for Lyons, police prosecutor Mel Pyke said up to 62 cannabis plants were found at Lyons’ home along with 34 seedlings or sprouts.

Theodore Michael Lyons driving away from the courthouse after his hearing. Picture: Patrick Woods

Sergeant Pyke said the growing operation was contained in the hinterland property garden and yard as well as in a bathroom.

The court heard 860g of harvested dope was found in a chest freezer, which was still being prepared for personal use.

A further 300g of cannabis was uncovered in grocery bags along with an amount of hashish, bongs, scales, grow tent and fertiliser.

The court heard one of Lyons’ mates was walking up the driveway during the search warrant and spoke to police. He told police he was returning clip seal bags back to Lyons.

Sergeant Pyke said the friend stated Lyons would “probably give him some”.

Worsley was charged with three counts of possessing dangerous drugs and one of producing dangerous drugs, possessing anything used in a crime and possessing utensils. Lyons faced charges of supplying, producing and possessing dangerous drugs, possessing anything used in the commision of a crime and possessing utensils. They both pleaded guilty.

During Worsley’s hearing, duty solicitor Michael Robinson said this was the one case where his “client’s dog ate his homework”, referring to the classic joke from the television show The Simpsons. Police did not allege it was a commercial operation.

Mr Robinson said the 31-year-old painter and father was only caught up buying seeds from the main target of the operation and cooperated with police.

Lyons’ lawyer Rachel Holland said the 40-year-old chef was also very cooperative with police and was not the primary target either, with no commerciality alleged.

Worsley was placed on a 12-month probation order while Lyons was fined $2000.

No convictions were recorded for either men.

Originally published as Clifford Worsley, Theodore Lyons plead guilty to producing cannabis after ‘MadCanna’ investigation