NSW Police have charged three men, including a senior member of the Bandidos outlaw motorcycle gang (OMCG), seized a shotgun and more than $1.65 million worth of cannabis, as part of an ongoing investigation into cannabis cultivation in the state's Central West.
Acting on information, detectives from the State Crime Command's Drug and Firearms Squad, under Strike Force Hyperion, commenced an investigation into cannabis cultivation in the state's Central West.
Their inquiries uncovered a 285-acre property near Coolah being used for cannabis cultivation.
Following extensive inquiries, strike force detectives executed a crime scene warrant at a remote property on Cainbil Road at Coolah, about 110km north of Mudgee, from 11am yesterday (Monday 13 April 2020).
Officers located and seized about 250kg of dried cannabis plants with an estimated potential street value of more than $1.65 million.
Police also seized a double-barrelled shot gun, ammunition and dried cannabis from a shed on the property, as well as equipment consistent with the cultivation of cannabis.
Three men – aged 21, 45 and 47 – were arrested and taken to Dubbo Police Station.
All three men were charged with cultivate prohibited plant (commercial quantity), supply prohibited drug (large commercial quantity) and participate criminal group contribute criminal activity.
Police will allege in court that the men, including the 45-year-old Bandidos OMCG senior member, were involved in the large-scale cultivation and supply of cannabis across NSW.
The men were refused bail to appear at Orange Local Court today (Tuesday 14 April 2020).
Investigations by the Drug and Firearms Squad are continuing, and further arrests are expected.
Police are urging anyone with information in relation to the cultivation and supply of cannabis to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au/. Information you provide will be treated in the strictest of confidence. We remind people they should not report crime information via our social media pages.
