The man, Clinton Louden, appeared in the Ballarat Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, with his defence lawyer confirming several charges are being contested.

The police summary stated detectives from the Criminal Investigation Unit had tapped Louden's phone in 2020, and had heard a conversation with a co-accused that referenced a "shipment of wheels and rims" - they allege these are code words for cannabis, but Louden's lawyer said he ran a vehicle restoration business and they were entirely legitimate.

The summary states during the conversation, the accused spoke about a delivery of "rims" bound for Queensland which were wrapped up "like Christmas presents".

Officers executed a warrant at the co-accused's house in Bacchus Marsh, and found two Christmas presents - investigators unwrapped them to find 8.99kg of cannabis in ziplocked bags stuffed inside.

Soon after, officers executed a search warrant at Louden's Canadian home, and allegedly found 46 items of interest.

These included firearms, ammunition, weapons, a silencer, several mobile phones, notebooks, a set of cash scales, cannabis seeds, and about $84,000 in cash.

A third raid at a Delacombe address owned by Louden allegedly revealed three cannabis grow rooms, and a note with a Creswick address. This premises was also raided, where a small amount of cannabis was found.

Simultaneous raids were then conducted on two sheds in Canadian linked to Louden, where it's alleged more drugs and weapons were found, including bags of cannabis, as well as hydroponic equipment.

When interviewed by police, Louden denied knowledge of the alleged operation.

The $84,000 cash found was for a vehicle, he said, while the Delacombe property was a private rental.

Louden's defence lawyer said while he will plead guilty to several weapons possession charges - these include a firearm with no serial number, cartridge ammunition, the silencer, capsicum spray, an imitation firearm, a crossbow, a sword, and fireworks - the remaining charges, for trafficking, possessing grow equipment, and dealing with the proceeds of crime, will be contested.

Another charge, for possessing a handgun other than the purpose of collecting, will also be contested - the antique revolver was bought to add to a John Wayne statue, the court was told.

Two more charges, for possessing cannabis seeds and receiving stolen number plates, were only revealed to the defence on Wednesday.

"It's disappointing to be hearing of them for the first time now," they said, noting they will need to seek further instructions.

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"We were only aware of one incident and one search warrant."

The use of "code words" is also to be challenged, with nine hours of phone transcripts to be presented, as well as 150 pages of photos.

The matter will return to court on September 9, with Louden's bail extended.

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