Detectives from the Serious and Organised Crime Branch have arrested six men after a number of properties were searched over the past two days.
On Tuesday 18 and Wednesday 19 April, Detectives and local police searched nine properties in connection with a criminal syndicate for the cultivation and trafficking of cannabis and money laundering. The properties included a hydroponics shop, a warehouse and residential premises.
As a result of the searches, officers seized a firearm, an expandable baton, 58 cannabis plants, approximately 42 kilograms of cannabis, prescribed equipment and cash. A number of vehicles, motor bikes, a ride on lawn mower and a jet ski were also confiscated.
Police subsequently arrested six men, three of whom appeared in court yesterday and were remanded in custody. They will appear again in the Elizabeth Magistrates Court on 27 April.
A man and woman were also reported for offences and will be summonsed to appear in court at a later date.
The accused are –
- A 25-year-old man from Sandy Creek for money laundering, cultivating a traffickable amount of cannabis, traffickimg a large commercial quantity of cannabis and theft of electricity. CO2300015180
- A 53-year-old man from Coromandel Valley for money laundering, possessing a Class H firearm (handgun) without a licence, possessing a prohibited weapon and trafficking a large commercial quantity of cannabis.
- A 27-year-old man from Para Vista for money laundering and trafficking a large commercial quantity of cannabis.
- A 28-year-old man from Gulfview Heights for cultivating a traffickable amount of cannabis and theft of electricity. He was bailed appear in the Elizabeth Magistrates Court on 27 April.
- A 60-year-old man from Chandlers Hill for possessing a traffickable amount of cannabis. He was bailed to appear in the Christies Beach Court on 2 June.
- A 22-year-old man from Chandlers Hill for possessing a traffickable amount of cannabis. He was bailed to appear in the Christies Beach Court on 2 June.
- A 29-year-old man from Lewiston was reported for possessing prescribed equipment and diverting electricity.
- A 22-year-old woman from Salisbury Park was reported for cultivating a commercial quantity of cannabis and theft of electricity.
"The damage caused to the community by the cultivation and trafficking of cannabis should not be under estimated", said Detective Chief Inspector Denise Gray of Serious and Organised Crime Branch.
"It is well known that cannabis funds organised crime to facilitate their illegal activities. In addition, there are inherent dangers with growing cannabis in residential premises including the risk of electrocution from bypassing the electricity, the risk of home being broken into and the risk of house fires. There are also obvious dangers where firearms are involved".
Anyone with information on the sale, supply, distribution or manufacture of illicit drugs is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at https://crimestopperssa.com.au
