SA Police smash global drug syndicate, seize more than 600 cannabis plants
Organised crime officers have crippled an international drug syndicate – seizing more than $6 million worth of cannabis from 19 homes across Adelaide. SEE THE PICTURES
Police & Courts
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More than $6 million worth of cannabis has been seized by police after raids at 19 homes across Adelaide this week, crippling an international drug operation.
Organised crime officers, as part of “Operation Hemp”, searched the properties on Wednesday and seized 642 plants, 61kg of dried cannabis ready for sale, $29,000 in cash and one vehicle.
The plants were growing in sophisticated hydroponic setups at 12 of the homes, while “evidence of cannabis” was found at the other seven properties.
The homes were spread out across 15 different suburbs.
Police say the drugs were set to be sold on South Australian streets, with some of the proceeds being sent interstate and overseas to Europe.
The estimated street value of the seized cannabis is more than $6 million, police say.
Detective Superintendent Stephen Taylor, officer in charge of the organised crime branch, said: “We are pretty confident at this stage that we have actually disrupted this network completely”.
He said some drugs slipped through SA’s coronavirus checkpoints and were transported interstate during the pandemic.
“There’s evidence to indicate that drugs have been going across the border, whether it just be with vehicles or with the trucking industry – and also with the postal stream.”
Three men have been arrested so far, including:
- A 40-year-old man from Munno Para West – charged with cultivating a commercial quantity of cannabis and diverting electricity. Bailed to appear in the Elizabeth Magistrates Court in August
- A 39-year-old man from Magill – charged with trafficking a large commercial quantity of cannabis, cultivating a large commercial quantity of cannabis, diverting electricity and money laundering. Refused bail to appear in the Adelaide Magistrates Court on Thursday
- A 37-year-old man from Hope Valley – charged with cultivating cannabis. Bailed to appear in the Adelaide Magistrates Court in September.
More arrests are expected.
Det-Supt Taylor said the drug bust “should act as a warning” for other crime syndicates.
“Whilst they might be enjoying the benefits of their criminal enterprise with their high-end vehicles and luxury homes, there’s a fair chance they’ll be caught,” he said.
“They are literally rolling the dice with their own freedom.”
Det-Supt Taylor said many of the homes used to grow cannabis were rental properties.
“In many of these cases landlords have entered into cash arrangements without bonds and have failed to conduct inspections,” he said.
Since January, SA Police have seized about 10,500 cannabis plants and 750kg of dried cannabis.
“We are certainly having some significant impact on the local market and, indeed, on the national market,” Det-Supt Taylor said.
Florenc Gjona, 39, of Magill, faced the Adelaide Magistrates Court on Thursday.
He has yet to plead to charges of trafficking a large commercial quantity of cannabis, cultivating a large commercial quantity of cannabis, diverting electricity and money laundering.
He made no application for bail and was remanded in custody to face court again in December.