Police charge six men, one woman after allegedly finding $52.7 million of cannabis in Ellangowan raid, northern NSW
Seven people have been charged after more than 15,000 cannabis plants worth more than $52 million were seized during a northern NSW farm raid – and it’s not the first huge bust in the area.
Regional News
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Police have charged six men and a woman after officers seized more than 15,000 cannabis plants worth more than $52 million during a farm raid in northern NSW.
The bust comes after similarly monstrous seizures of the drug on the North Coast as early as last year – including around the same location, Ellangowan.
NSW Police have not confirmed the sizeable seizures southwest of Lismore are linked.
The State Crime Command’s Drug and Firearms Squad and Richmond Police detectives, assisted by the Dog Unit and Northern Rivers Region Enforcement Squad, went to the property about 11.30am on Tuesday.
“Police will allege in court that the property was being used for the large scale cultivation of cannabis,” police state.
Police seized cannabis with a massive estimated street value of $52.7 million.
Officers charged six men aged between 41 and 61, and a 52-year-old woman.
It’s alleged they were arrested fleeing into the bush during the operation before being taken to Lismore Police Station.
It has not been confirmed whether specific organised crime links will be alleged in court, but the seven are accused via charges of being part of a “criminal group”.
They are Chien Quang Nguyen, 41, Tuan Huu Nguyen, 42, Thimh Van Bui, 45, Binh Van Dao, 49, Phuc Van Nguyen, 50, Mo Thi Do, 52, and Thinh Van Nguyen, 61.
They have been accused of participating in a criminal group contribute activity and knowingly taking part - cultivate large commercial quantity - cannabis.
Investigations continue.
Police revealed on Wednesday afternoon the seven had been refused bail and were due to face Lismore Local Court earlier in the day.
Cannabis can be legally used in NSW - but only with a medical prescription.
Police urged anyone with information about illicit cultivation to phone Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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