Jason Andrew Swanbrough, 44, charged after raid allegedly nets cannabis, meth, heroin and weapons at Aberdare

An investigation into the alleged growing and supplying of cannabis in the Hunter has led police to allegedly discover a hydroponic cannabis set up in a shed roof. Meth, heroin and weapons were also allegedly found.

Jason Andrew Swanbrough, 44, was arrested after a raid at an Aberdare property on July 9, 2025 allegedly uncovered cannabis, meth, heroin and weapons. Picture: NSW Police

Police have allegedly seized methamphetamine, heroin and weapons after discovering a hydroponic set-up in a shed roof during a raid on a Hunter Valley property.

Jason Andrew Swanbrough, 44, has since been a granted conditional bail on a range of drug and weapons charges after he was arrested during the raid on the property at Aberdare, near Cessnock, on Tuesday morning.

The local man will have to abide by a curfew and a drug and alcohol ban as part of a range of bail conditions.

Police said Hunter Valley officers began an investigation into the alleged cultivation and supply of cannabis in the valley last month before a search warrant was conducted on the Aberdare property about 8.30am on Tuesday.

“During the search, police located and seized over 8kg of cannabis found growing from inside a shed ceiling, 48g of methylamphetamine, 1.2g of heroin and a taser,” police said.

The alleged hydroponic set-up discovered at Aberdare. Picture: NSW Police

“The estimated street value of the cannabis seized is $45,000.”

It is understood the eight kilograms of cannabis was hanging and drying while another seven plants were also allegedly seized.

Police also allegedly seized a gel blaster and a Steyr magazine.

Police allegedly seized 48 grams of methamphetamine during the raid. Picture: NSW Police

Swanbrough was arrested at the scene and taken to Cessnock police station where he was charged with three counts of possessing a prohibited drug, three counts of possessing or using a prohibited weapon without permit, two counts of supplying a prohibited drug.

He also faces one count each of possessing a prohibited plant and cultivating a prohibited plant.

One of the items allegedly seized by police. Picture: NSW Police

Another item allegedly seized. Picture: NSW Police

He faced the Local Bail Division Court in Parramatta on Wednesday where he successfully made a release application.

Magistrate Elizabeth Bushby granted bail with a list of conditions, including reporting to police three times a week and abiding by a nightly curfew.

Swanbrough was also banned from taking drugs or alcohol and ordered to contact a medical centre within 48 hours of being released to organise an appointment before accepting any reasonable treatment and referrals in relation to alcohol and drug treatment.

He will next appear in court on July 23.