Two people will face court today, charged after police uncovered more than $1.2 million worth of cannabis inside two grow houses at Lake Macquarie yesterday.
The grow houses, uncovered by officers from Lake Macquarie Police District, were allegedly being used for the large-scale cultivation of cannabis.
Following extensive inquiries, Lake Macquarie detectives executed two search warrants at properties in Cooranbong and Bonnells Bay yesterday (Tuesday 18 July 2023).
Investigators subsequently located and seized more than 600 cannabis plants, with an estimated potential street value of $1.2 million.
A 45-year-old woman and 48-year-old man were arrested during the operation and taken to Toronto Police Station.
Both were charged with enhanced indoor cultivate cannabis for commercial purpose, cultivate prohibited plant>= commercial quantity-cannabis, and divert/use electricity for generating etc system without authority.
They were refused bail to appear before Toronto Local Court today (Wednesday 19 July 2023).
Lake Macquarie Crime Manager, Detective Chief Inspector Scott Parker said police will continue to run similar operations to ensure harmful drugs are taken off the streets.
"Additionally, these type of grow houses pose a significant risk to emergency services and utility service personnel, as they navigate the dismantling of illegal electricity bypasses," said Mr Parker.
Anyone with information about the illicit cultivation of cannabis should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
