Agincourt Rd, Shipway St, Marsfield drug bust: police allegedly find $1.2m of cannabis

Two hydro homes containing 403 cannabis plants worth more than $1.2 million have been raided by the north shore-based drug busting cops of Strike Force Tassie. FULL DETAILS

An example of police removing plants from a hydroponic cannabis set-up. Picture: Jeremy Piper

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A Chinese national has been charged after $1.2m of cannabis was seized during a raid at two hydroponic homes in Sydney’s north west.

About 6pm on Thursday Strike Force Tassie, as part of the Gordon Region Enforcement Squad executed searched warrants at two homes in Marsfield and discovered hydroponic cannabis setups.

During a search of a home on Agincourt Rd police seized 172 cannabis plants and cannabis leaf with an estimated potential street value of $500,000 as well as equipment consistent with the manufacture and supply of cannabis.

An example of a large cannabis hydroponic production system. Picture: NSW Police

A 29-year old Chinese national was arrested at the scene and taken to Ryde police station, where he was charged with commercial cultivation of cannabis, assist drug premises, and stealing electricity.

He was refused bail and is set to appear at Burwood Local Court on Friday,

About 8pm on Thursday officers conducted a separate search at a property on Shipway St in Marsfield, where police seized 231 cannabis plants with an estimated potential street value in excess of $700,000.

More equipment consistent with the supply of cannabis was seized during the search.

Gordon police are continuing to investigate the enhanced indoor cultivation of cannabis across the North West Metropolitan Region.

Generic picture of person in handcuffs during police arrest.

According to police, signs of a hydro house can include increased security measures, such as, roller shutters, fences, vicious dogs in the yard, spikes in electricity, water and illegal connection to electrical supply.

Other signs include 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 to prevent access to the electricity metre box, discarded plastic containers and strong odours.

Anyone with information that may be able to assist police are urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.