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Muswellbrook drug bust: Two charged over alleged $8m cannabis haul

In a major bust for police, they have uncovered a large-scale cannabis operation, seizing almost $8 million worth of drugs on a property near Muswellbrook. Two men have been charged.

$8 million cannabis operations busted

A major cannabis operation in the Hunter Region has been smashed, after police raided 12 large-scale cannabis grow houses, allegedly seizing almost $8m of the drug.

Detectives have charged two people, with both to appear in Muswellbrook Local Court on Friday.

In November last year, detectives from the State Crime Command’s Drug and Firearms Squad established Strike Force Harthouse to investigate the cultivation and supply of cannabis across NSW.

Man arrested at the property Credit: NSW Police
Man arrested at the property Credit: NSW Police
Police uncovered nearly $8 million of cannabis Credit: NSW Police
Police uncovered nearly $8 million of cannabis Credit: NSW Police

Their inquiries uncovered a remote property near Muswellbrook which police allege has been used for the large-scale cultivation of cannabis.

Following extensive investigations, strike force detectives executed a crime scene warrant at a property on the Golden Highway at Gungal, about 58km southeast of Muswellbrook, on Thursday morning.

During the search, investigators seized 2628 cannabis plants with an estimated potential street value of $7.8 million.

Two people charged after police dismantled 12 large-scale industrial grow houses in the state’s Hunter Region, seizing cannabis with a street value of nearly $8 million. Credit: NSW Police
Two people charged after police dismantled 12 large-scale industrial grow houses in the state’s Hunter Region, seizing cannabis with a street value of nearly $8 million. Credit: NSW Police
The cannabis seized. Credit: NSW Police
The cannabis seized. Credit: NSW Police

Officers also located equipment consistent with the cultivation of cannabis within 12 large-scale industrial grow houses, which were subsequently dismantled.

Two men – aged 24 and 29 – were arrested at the property and taken to Muswellbrook Police Station.

The Cabramatta men were both charged with cultivate prohibited plant (large commercial quantity).

Investigations by the Drug and Firearms Squad are continuing.

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Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/thenewcastlenews/muswellbrook-drug-bust-two-charged-over-alleged-8m-cannabis-haul/news-story/ef3d7a0726fa0cbf9f8fbc688bcb9f87