Three crime scenes have been established, more than 300 cannabis plants seized, and five people arrested following an investigation into enhanced indoor cannabis cultivation across the Chifley Police District.
About 5.45pm yesterday (Monday 14 October 2019), officers attached to Traffic & Highway Patrol stopped a white Lexus being driven by a 38-year-old Regents Park man on the Great Western Highway near Bowenfels for the purpose of a random breath test.
The vehicle was searched and property suspected of being connected with enhanced indoor cannabis cultivation was seized.
The man was released and an investigation commenced in respect to the seized property.
Following inquiries, police attended a house on Oakey Forest Road at Marrangaroo where they located an elaborate hydroponic cannabis set-up.
A 66-year-old Vietnamese man, who is in Australia unlawfully, was arrested and a crime scene established.
Approximately 60 cannabis plants of varying maturity were seized.
A short time later, officers attended a home on Stonestreet Place at Windradyne where a stockpile of equipment used in the indoor cultivation of cannabis was located.
A 41-year-old Vietnamese man, who is in Australia unlawfully, was arrested and a crime scene established.
Inquiries were also made at addresses in West Bathurst and Canowindra throughout the night.
About 8am today (Tuesday 15 October 2019), police disrupted several vehicles as they arrived at the Ryall Place residence at Canowindra, during which three men fled on foot.
The three men, of Vietnamese nationality, have since been arrested with the assistance of the Dog Squad and Chifley Rescue Unit.
They remain in custody.
A crime scene has been established and more than 300 cannabis plants of varying maturity were seized.
Investigations continue.
