Investigators from South West Metropolitan Region have executed 34 search warrants in one week, seizing 6,720 cannabis plants worth over $20 million.
Nine people were arrested – seven men and two women – and have been charged with a variety of prohibited drug related offences.
The operation targeted the indoor cultivation of cannabis plants throughout Sydney's south west metropolitan region.
One of the hydro houses, containing 124 plants, was located next to a childcare centre in Chester Hill.
Other significant warrants included the search of a house in Tumbarumba Crescent at Heckenberg on Thursday 24 June 2021. Officers seized 73 cannabis plants in three bedrooms, with an illegal electricity by-pass found in the roof.
A man, aged 32, was arrested at the scene and taken to Liverpool Police Station and charged with knowingly take part-cultivate – commercial quantity cannabis, use/consume/waste etc electricity without authority, and found on/entering/leaving drug premises.
He was refused bail and will appear at Liverpool Local Court on Monday 23 August 2021.
On Wednesday (30 June 2021), investigators searched a house in Hinchinbrook, located opposite a public school. Inside were 186 plants with an estimated potential street value of $372,000.
A 32-year-old man was arrested at the scene and taken to Liverpool Police Station. He was charged with cultivate cannabis – indictable and commercial quantity, found on/entering/leaving drug premises, use/consume/waste etc electricity without authority and possess prohibited drug.
He was refused bail and will appear at Liverpool Local Court on Thursday 15 July 2021.
The operation involved officers attached to Auburn, Bankstown, Burwood, Campsie, Cumberland, Fairfield City and Liverpool City Police Area Commands.
They were assisted by specialist forensic police, State Crime Commands Drug and Firearms Squad, Bankstown and Wetherill Park Region Enforcement Squads and SWM Operation Support Group.
South West Metropolitan Region Commander, Assistant Commissioner Tony Cooke, said that he is pleased with the results of the operation.
"Investigators involved will continue to target illicit activities that impact the health and safety of the community," said Assistant Commissioner Cooke.
"In one week, we have managed to seize and destroy more than $20 million worth of cannabis, reducing the influence of criminal gangs and their illegal activities across Sydney.
"Those involved in criminal activity across Sydney's south west can expect to be caught and feel the full force of the law. I encourage those in the community who may have any information regarding prohibited drugs to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000."
