Police seize 2200 cannabis plants in southwest Sydney raids on hydroponic houses
Police have seized more than $6.2 million of cannabis from alleged hydroponic houses in southwest Sydney after they dismantled an extensive group renting properties with allegedly false documents.
The Express
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Police have seized more than $6.2 million of cannabis from alleged hydroponic houses in southwest Sydney after they dismantled an extensive group renting properties with allegedly false documents.
Redfern Region Enforcement Squad charged five people after they seized more than 2200 cannabis plants in 19 raids across Bankstown, Yagoona, Condell Park, Greenacre, Riverwood, Penshurst, Bexley, Campsie and Strathfield on July 11.
A 32-year-old man arrested at a Bankstown property has been charged with more than 30 offences including directing a criminal group, knowingly participating in cultivating and supplying prohibited drugs, dishonesty and growing cannabis indoors.
A 28-year-old woman arrested at the same property will remain in custody until she faces court on July 18 charged with cultivating a commercial quantity of prohibited plants and participating in a criminal group.
A 27-year-old man arrested at a Yagoona property was charged with 20 offences including cultivating prohibited plants for commercial purposes and dishonestly obtaining financial advantages.
A 21-year-old man at the Strathfield property was charged with two counts of cultivation and participating in a criminal group.
All three men will remain in custody until they face Bankstown Local Court on September 5.
A 33-year-old man fled a Hurstville home after police showed up but he was arrested after a brief search.
He was charged with goods in custody and participating in a criminal group, and will face Sutherland Local Court on July 31.
Redfern RES’ Strike Force Grassy was assisted by Surry Hills, Wetherill Park and Bass Hill RES, the Public Order and Riot Squad, and local police from St George, Bankstown, Campsie, Auburn, Burwood, Botany, Eastern Beaches, Eastern Suburbs, Inner West, Kings Cross, Leichhardt, Redfern, Surry Hills, Sutherland and Sydney City.
Redfern RES Commander Detective Chief Inspector Stuart Bell said it was a serious warning for criminal syndicates operating hydroponic houses.
“Make no mistake – this is organised crime,” Superintendent Bell said.
“Those involved simply want to make a profit no matter the cost.”
Superintendent Bell said police would disrupt every aspect of criminal operations by taking their infrastructure and getting criminals off the street.
“Hydroponic houses have the potential to put surrounding houses and people in danger and they can be anywhere,” he said.
“The community can assist police by being vigilant to what is happening in their suburb and report any suspicious behaviour to police.”
Signs of a hydroponic house can include increased security measures such as roller shutters, fences and vicious dogs, increased electricity use, increased water use, illegal connections to electrical supplies, condensation on windows, continually running generators, large amounts of garbage, chemicals and fertilisers, locks, and discarded chemical containers.