Sydney drugs: how to spot a hydro house
Think you know your neighbours? After a $275,000 cannabis bust, NSW Police say these are the telltale signs you might be living next door to a makeshift grow house.
NSW
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Boarded up windows, the constant running of generators and lights and large amounts of garbage are all signs you could be living next to a cannabis growing ‘hydro house’.
The makeshift drug labs have been cropping up across Sydney’s suburbs with most neighbours unaware until the police come knocking.
Redfern Region Enforcement Squad Investigators did just that yesterday, uncovering a hydroponic house in Sydney’s south.
Officers searched a property on Morotai Ave, Riverwood, around midday on Wednesday, allegedly seizing 92 cannabis plants with an estimated street value of $274,000.
Two people, a 51-year-old man and 54-year-old woman, were later arrested at Ryde and charged with serious drug offences.
They were both refused bail to appear at Burwood Local Court today.
Police also searched two more homes on Samuel St, Ryde and William St, Riverwood as investigations continue.
10 HYDRO HOUSE SIGNS
NSW Police said in a statement there are some telltale signs of a hydro house in suburban neighbourhoods. These can include:
• Increased security measures (including roller shutters, fences and vicious dogs in the yard),
• Increased use of electricity and generators
• Increased use of water,
• Illegal connection to electrical supply,
• Condensation on windows,
• Continual running of generators and lights,
• Disposal of large amounts of garbage,
• Large quantities of chemicals and fertilisers around the premises,
• Locks or other methods in place to prevent access to the electricity meter box,
• Discarded plastic containers and strong odours such as from fertilisers, liquid and bagged growing cultures.
Investigations by Redfern RES under Strike Force Grassy are continuing.
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