Almost $500,000 worth of cannabis seized as cops swoop on hydro houses

Two men have been charged and police have seized almost half-a-million dollars worth of hydroponic cannabis after swooping on three homes.

Detectives have uncovered almost $500,000 worth of cannabis growing across three hydroponic houses in Sydney’s south.

Officers have charged two men and seized $185,000 in cash after the Redfern Region Enforcement Squad (RES) launched an investigation into the enhanced indoor cultivation of cannabis across the city.

Police then scoured three properties on Thursday, two in Brighton Le Sands and one in Bexley North where they uncovered three hydroponic cannabis setups, home to 124 plants and at least 15kg of cannabis head, which have a combined street value of $491,000.

Nearly $185,000 cash was seized after three hydroponic houses were uncovered across Sydney’s south. Picture: NSW Police

Police have charged two men. Picture: NSW Police

Authorities also seized $184,550 cash and equipment allegedly used to grow and supply cannabis.

A 36-year-old man was arrested at the Brighton Le Sands unit and taken to Kogarah police station where he was slapped with 11 charges including three counts of supplying a prohibited drug and dealing with the proceeds of crime.

He appeared at Sutherland Local Court on Thursday where he was formally refused bail and will reappear on October 16.

A 64-year-old Turella man was arrested at Kogarah police station, where he was charged with knowingly taking part in cultivating a large commercial quantity of a prohibited plant and two counts of taking part in enhancing the indoor cultivation of plant for commercial use.

Half-a-million-dollars of cannabis plants were seized. Picture: NSW Police

Investigations continue as police urged people to be aware of the signs of a hydro-house. Picture: NSW Police

He was refused bail and will appear at Sutherland Local Court on Friday.

Police are now urging the public to be aware of the telltale signs of a hydro house.

Some key giveaways include increased security measures, increased use of electricity and water, condensation on windows, disposal of large amounts of garbage and spotting large quantities of chemicals and fertilisers found around the premises.

Investigations continue.