Brookvale and Cromer drug raids net nearly $3 million worth of marijuana

POLICE seized nearly 1000 cannabis plants in two simultaneous raids at industrial premises at Brookvale and Cromer this morning with six men taken into custody over the $3m haul.

Insp Craig Wonders inspects a large hydroponic cannabis set up in Brookvale. Picture: Braden Fastier

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POLICE seized nearly 1000 cannabis plants in two simultaneous raids at industrial premises at Brookvale and Cromer this morning.

The plants have an estimated potential street value of $3 million.

Police arrest a man connected with a large hydroponic cannabis set up in Brookvale. Picture: Braden Fastier

Nearly 600 plants were found in a two-storey building in Carter Rd at Brookvale and nearly 400 in a building in Villiers Place at Cromer.

Police also allegedly seized a quantity of dried cannabis at the Cromer premises.

The simultaneous raids were launched at 8am and within an hour five men had been taken into custody.

Cannabis plants inside an industrial premises at Brookvale

About 10am a sixth man was arrested when he arrived at the premises in Carter Rd.

Northern Beaches crime manager Insp Craig Wonders said the raids were part of an ongoing investigation into the manufacture, cultivation, distribution and supply of drugs on the northern beaches.

Part of the electrical system associated with the hydroponic set-up at Brookvale

He said the cannabis was being grown in highly-sophisticated hydroponic set-ups in rented premises.

“It’s been a long investigation by Northern Beaches detectives,” he said.

“This is a sophisticated set-up and hopefully the discovery of an operation on this scale will have an impact on the operation of this particular syndicate and deter others from following in their footsteps.”

Cannabis plants inside an industrial premises at Brookvale

He said the six men had been taken to Manly police station to be interviewed by detectives and that they are expected to be charged with cultivating cannabis and other drug-related offences.

Anyone with information about the drug trade on northern beaches is urged to call Dee Why police station on 9971 3399 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.