Blue Mountains: Cannabis the only drug detected being manufactured
We reveal the number and type of major drug arrests in the Blue Mountains last year as investigations into the latest suspected drug lab get underway.
The Blue Mountains News
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Cannabis has been the only drug detected being manufactured in the Blue Mountains for the last two years according to the command’s crime manager, Detective Inspector Scott McAlpine.
He told The Blue Mountains News police detected drug manufacture or cultivation at seven residences in the Blue Mountains PAC in 2019.
“Two of these incidents have not resulted in legal action,” he said.
Police are appealing for information following a cannabis bust in Hazelbrook in January.
Last year, 11 people were arrested and subsequently charged with offences relating to drug manufacture or cultivation of indictable and greater quantities of drugs within the Blue Mountains Police Area Command.
In 2018, only four people were issued court attendance notices in the PAC and three residences in the PAC where found to be either manufacturing or cultivating drugs, he said.
“Cannabis plants and derivatives were the only drugs detected being manufactured for both 2018 and 2019,” Det Insp McAlpine said.
In the latest incident, Blue Mountains Police searched a home in Valley Rd on January 24 in relation to possible commercial hydroponic cultivation at the premises.
Det Insp McAlpine said officers discovered a hydroponic cannabis setup and found and seized 203 plants.
With investigations continuing, Det Insp McAlpine is urging anyone with information to call the police.
According to the Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research latest figures, Blue Mountains local government area (LGA) was ranked 87th in NSW for possession and/or use of cannabis in 2018, with 114 recorded incidents — meaning 33 LGAs had more recorded incidents that year.
Penrith LGA was ranked 63rd with 391 recorded incidents for the same period.
In 2017, Blue Mountains and Penrith LGAs were ranked 80th and 57th, respectively, with 126 and 444 recorded incidents.
The ranking tool does not include other drug offences.
Police urge anyone with information about suspicious properties or activities to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the online reporting page.