Police investigating the criminal activity of an organised syndicate for the alleged trafficking of cannabis from South Australia to New South Wales and Queensland have arrested a number of people for a raft of drug offences.
Following a 12 month investigation, on Tuesday 13 December, Detectives from Serious and Organised Crime Branch (SOCB), with the assistance of officers from Northern and Eastern District CIB and STAR Dog Operations Unit, conducted searches on 13 properties located in the western, northern and north-eastern suburbs of Adelaide.
The searches resulted in the arrest of eight people and the seizure of drugs, hydroponic equipment, cash, luxury vehicles and trucks.
Eight people were arrested including:
A 34-year-old man from North Haven was arrested and charged with trafficking in a large commercial quantity of cannabis, money laundering, trafficking in a commercial quantity of cannabis and taking part on the cultivation of more than the prescribed number of plants. He was refused police bail and will appear in the Port Adelaide Magistrates Court later today.
A 31-year-old man from Gawler East was arrested and charged with trafficking in a large commercial quantity of cannabis, trafficking in a commercial quantity of cannabis and taking part on the cultivation of more than the prescribed number of plants. He was refused police bail and will appear in the Elizabeth Magistrates Court later today.
A 34-year-old man and a 34-year-old woman both from Paralowie were arrested and charged with trafficking in a commercial quantity of a controlled drug, cultivating more than a prescribed quantity of cannabis plants and possessing prescribed equipment, They were granted police bail and will appear in Elizabeth Magistrates Court on 17 January.
A 32-year-old man from Redwood Park has been arrested for cultivating a controlled plant, possessing prescribed equipment, interfering with an electricity meter and money laundering. He was granted police bail and will appear in Elizabeth Magistrates Court on 17 January.
A 41-year-old man from Highbury was arrested and charged with cultivating more than a prescribed quantity of cannabis plants, possessing prescribed equipment and diverting electricity. He was granted police bail and will appear in Elizabeth Magistrates Court on 13 February.
A 31-year-old man from Surrey Downs was arrested and charged with cultivating more than a prescribed quantity of cannabis plants, possessing prescribed equipment, money laundering and trafficking cocaine. He was granted police bail and will appear in Adelaide Magistrates Court on 22 February.
A 30-year-old man from Golden Grove was arrested and charged with trafficking in a large commercial quantity of cannabis, possessing prescribed equipment, money laundering and diverting electricity. He was refused police bail and will appear in Elizabeth Magistrates Court later today.
The following items were located and seized during the searches:
- Approximately 200kg of dried cannabis with an estimated street value of $1million
- Over $370,000 cash
- 14 motor vehicles including Ford Ranger, Lamborghini, Jaguar, Range Rover, Harley Davidson motorbike, Mercedes G-Wagon, Mercedes Utility, VL Calais, Hyundai van, 4 x large moving trucks, Seadoo and trailer valued at $1.3 million
- A large quantity of high-end alcohol valued at $10,000
- Jewellery valued at $70,000
- 33 cannabis plants being grown hydroponically
- Large quantity hydroponic equipment
Detective Superintendent Billy Thompson, Officer in Charge of Serious and Organised Crime Branch said, "These searches and arrests demonstrate that South Australia Police is resolute in its pursuit of those who choose to involve themselves in organised crime and bring harm to our communities"
Anyone with information on the manufacture, sale or supply of illicit drugs can report it to police anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au
