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NSW man with alleged links to Truro drug bust arrested as police search for owner of hydro cannabis crop at South Brighton

A man with alleged links to a massive cannabis seizure at Truro has been arrested. Separately, officers have seized more than 40 cannabis plants from a South Brighton home.

Australia's Growing Drug Crisis

A man allegedly involved in an interstate drug trafficking ring between New South Wales and South Australia has been arrested.

Police say forensic evidence linked the man, 36, of NSW, to 39kg of cannabis and $228,000 in cash that was seized from a truck at Truro in September – and the seizure of $142,000 in May.

He was arrested on Tuesday and charged with participating in a criminal organisation. The man is expected to face the Port Adelaide Magistrates Court on Wednesday afternoon.

The arrest follows an investigation by Serious and Organised Crime Branch detectives into a syndicate trafficking drugs between NSW and SA.

Detective Chief Inspector Denise Gray said: “Serious and Organised Crime Branch continue to investigate interstate drug trafficking syndicates linked to organised crime groups and this arrest should serve as a warning to all those who play a role in this criminal behaviour.”

Police released this image of $228,000 in cash seized from a truck at Truro in September. Picture: SA Police
Police released this image of $228,000 in cash seized from a truck at Truro in September. Picture: SA Police

Separately, police are searching for the owner of an extensive hydroponic cannabis set-up found inside a South Brighton home.

Officers went to the house, on Brighton Road, after a “strong smell of cannabis” was detected by passing patrols about 12.45am on Tuesday.

When they gained entry, officers found that four rooms were being used to hydroponically grow cannabis.

Officers could smell the crop as they went past the house. Picture: SA Police
Officers could smell the crop as they went past the house. Picture: SA Police
Mystery surrounds who is responsible for an extensive hydroponic cannabis set-up found inside a house at South Brighton. Picture: SA Police
Mystery surrounds who is responsible for an extensive hydroponic cannabis set-up found inside a house at South Brighton. Picture: SA Police

They seized a total of 41 plants as well as a bunch of dried cannabis.

No one was home at the time and investigations are continuing to determine who is responsible for the set-up.

Anyone who noticed suspicious activity in the area over the past few weeks is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

According to Crime Stoppers SA, most hydroponic cannabis crops are discovered by passers-by who can smell the drug.

A cannabis crop takes about three months to grow, with the smell becoming stronger in the final weeks.

Officers seized more than 40 plants from the home. Picture: SA Police
Officers seized more than 40 plants from the home. Picture: SA Police

Original URL: https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/truecrimeaustralia/police-courts/nsw-man-with-alleged-links-to-truro-drug-bust-arrested-as-police-search-for-owner-of-hydro-cannabis-crop-at-south-brighton/news-story/5fc5ebea8876ef272c9f38acfd5c8b4c