Police have charged 10 men after a sophisticated hydroponic cannabis setup was located in the state's south west yesterday.
Earlier this month, detectives from Murrumbidgee Police District commenced an investigation into the cultivation of cannabis in the Griffith area.
As part of inquiries, investigators executed a search warrant at a property on Pilloni Road, Yoogali, about 11.20am yesterday (Thursday 21 May 2020).
Police located a hydroponic cannabis setup within a number of rooms inside the shed.
More than 41kg of cannabis leaf, 36 cannabis plants at varying levels of maturity and five firearms were seized. The total estimated potential street value of the cannabis is approximately $425,000.
Detectives arrested 10 men – aged between 23 and 62 – who were allegedly in the process of cultivating the crop at the property. They men were all taken to Griffith Police Station.
The men were all charged with supply prohibited drug (commercial quantity), enhanced indoor cultivation plant for commercial purpose, possess prohibited drug, participate in criminal group and found on drug premises.
The 62-year-old man was also charged with knowingly/recklessly direct criminal group assist crime and owner/occupier knowingly allow use as drug premises.
Police will allege in court that the men were involved in the commercial cultivation of cannabis.
The men were all refused bail to appear at Wagga Wagga Local Court today (Friday 22 May 2020).
Inquiries are continuing.
Anyone with information about the cultivation and supply of cannabis in the local community is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.
Information is treated in strict confidence.
