Strike Force Zambesi: southwest Sydney raids uncover 680 cannabis plants worth $1.4 million
More $1.4 million of cannabis was wiped off the market during three search warrants across southwest Sydney by a strike force determined to stamp out the region’s hydroponic houses.
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More $1.4 million of cannabis was wiped off the market during three search warrants across southwest Sydney by a tireless strike force determined to stamp out dangerous hydroponic houses in family-friendly suburbs.
Strike Force Zambesi officers swooped on a Palana Cl home in West Hoxton at 7am yesterday, where they allegedly found 267 cannabis plants and a cultivation set-up.
A 21-year-old man was arrested at the home and he was taken to Liverpool police station, where inquiries about his immigration status continue.
Thirty minutes later officers allegedly seized another 203 cannabis plants and a cultivation set-up at a home on Macksville St in Carnes Hill.
This morning at 7.30am officers discovered 213 cannabis plants and a cannabis cultivation set-up at a Georges Hall home on Wendy Ave.
All 680 plants were secured for forensic analysis and have an estimated potential street value of more than $1.4 million.
South West Metropolitan Region Enforcement Squad commander Gus Viera said the number of hydro houses in residential suburban areas was a major concern for strike force officers.
“Almost all the houses were modified for sophisticated cannabis cultivation set-ups and fitted with extremely dangerous – and illegal – electrical bypasses,” Detective Chief Inspector Viera said.
“Illegal rewiring carried out to bypass the meter can quite easily cause a fire or electrocution, which poses a great risk to the community, especially their unsuspecting neighbours.
“It is disturbing to find these set-ups in quiet residential streets, next-door to day care centres or schools, near playgrounds or around the corner from shopping centres.”
Det Insp Viera said Strike Force Zambesti officers were leading the way in locating and dismantling the extremely dangerous premises, reducing cannabis supply and breaking profit cycles among criminal groups.
The strike force commander previously told NewsLocal they were not seeking out small-time growers catering for personal use.
“We’re not targeting mums and dads growing a couple of plants in the backyard,” Det Insp Viera said.
“We’re talking about hundreds of plants being grown and sold for profit.”
Strike Force Zambesi is comprised of officers from the South West Metropolitan Region Enforcement Squads in Wetherill Park and Bass Hill.
The strike force has seized tens of thousands of plants, arrested more than 200 people and laid more than 500 charges since it began tackling hydro houses in 2011.
In June 2017, officers had already wiped more than $162 million worth of cannabis off the market.
Police have urged anyone with information about these hydro houses to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.