A man has been charged after police located and seized almost $600,000 of cannabis in an elaborate hydroponic set-up in Sydney’s north-west yesterday, NSW Police say.
In September 2017, detectives from the State Crime Command’s Drug and Firearms Squad established Strike Force Kilkee to investigate the hydroponic cultivation of cannabis in Sydney.
Their inquiries uncovered a network operating ‘grow houses’ in rental properties in densely populated residential areas across Sydney.
Strike Force Kilkee investigators located and dismantled 14 hydro houses in December, and seized cannabis plants with an estimated potential street value of more than $11.3 million.
Following further investigations, strike force detectives executed a search warrant at a home at Eastwood just before 8.30am yesterday (Thursday 17 May 2018).
Police located 72 cannabis plants growing in four rooms of the house and 330g of cannabis head in the freezer.
A 47-year-old Vietnamese National was arrested at the home and taken to Ryde Police Station.
He was charged with cultivate prohibited plant and use/consume/waste electricity without authority.
The man, who is a suspected unlawful non-citizen, will also be assessed by the Australian Border Force.
He was refused bail to appear at Burwood Local Court today (Friday 18 May 2018).
Investigations under Strike Force Kilkee are continuing, and further arrests are expected.
Seven telltale indicators of drug manufacturing and supply
1. Strange odours emanating from the property
2. Diverted electricity
3. Chemical containers and waste
4. Blacked out windows
5. Hoses and pipes in strange places
6. Blinds down, with extremely bright indoor lighting radiating through gaps
7. Vehicles arriving at odd hours
Police are urging anyone with information in relation to the cultivation and supply of cannabis to call Crime Stoppers.
