QLD Cannabis Bunker: Secret Elevator & Drug Lab Found

Two men have been charged following separate investigations into drug production and possession on the Gold Coast, one involving a “sophisticated underground bunker” accessed by a hidden, remote-controlled elevator.

Cannabis Bunker Discovered in Willow Vale

Police discovered the bunker during a search of a property on Coulter Rd in Willow Vale. Investigators found multiple rooms concealed beneath a concrete floor, accessed via a remote-controlled hidden elevator, fitted out for hydroponic cannabis cultivation.

The bunker contained grow rooms, drying rooms, and a packaging area. Police located 24 mature cannabis plants and a further 20 immature plants, along with 10.5kgs of cannabis packaged in heat-sealed bags. A significant quantity of cannabis was also found in a dedicated drying room.

A 45-year-old Willow Vale man was charged with one count each of producing dangerous drugs, supplying dangerous drugs, possessing dangerous drugs, possessing anything used in the commission of crime, and stealing. He is due to appear at Southport Magistrates Court on February 26.

Second Investigation Uncovers Weapons and Explosives

Separately, on January 21, police searched a property on Ruffles Rd in Willow Vale following an investigation into drugs and firearms.

Officers allegedly found a hydroponic grow tent in a bedroom, along with a crossbow, butterfly knife, ammunition, fireworks, cannabis, prescription medications, and drug-related utensils.

A 48-year-old Willow Vale man was charged with two counts each of possessing dangerous drugs, possessing category M weapons, and possessing explosives; and one count each of producing dangerous drugs, possessing medicines, possessing tainted property, possessing things used in the commission of a crime, and possessing utensils. He is due to appear in the Southport Magistrates Court on February 18.

Investigations into both cases are ongoing, police said.