Detectives from the Brimbank Divisional Response Unit have arrested eight people and seized over $1.2m worth of cannabis plants as part an operation this week targeting those stealing electricity to manufacture plants.
Detectives executed 13 warrants this week in Brimbank and Melton, identifying nine hydroponic cannabis set ups with three containing a commercial quantity of cannabis.
618 cannabis plants were seized throughout the week, which is estimated to have a street value in excess of $1.2m.
Police also seized 11 electrical bypass units which were allegedly used to steal electricity, with it being diverted to facilitate the hydroponic set up.
Seven people have been charged with cultivating cannabis and theft of electricity, including:
- 29-year-old Brookfield man
- 51-year-old Burnside woman
- 44-year-old Burnside man
- 64-year-old Caroline Springs man
- 62-year-old Caroline Springs man
- 51-year-old Caroline Springs man
- 42-year-old Taylors Hill man
Police will continue to make enquiries with the eighth person who was arrested this week.
Those charged have been bailed to appear at court at a later date.
Anyone with information about illicit drug activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
Quotes attributable to Brimbank Divisional Response Unit, Detective Senior Sergeant Kylie Snart:
"Detectives from the Brimbank DRU are intent on disrupting the cultivation or manufacturing of illicit drugs in the area, including cannabis crop houses.
"The cultivation of cannabis is dangerous as crop houses are often linked to wider criminal networks that are looking to boost their coffers to fund further offending in our community.
"Crop houses also pose a significant community risk themselves, with a number of well-documented instances of fires in homes that were growing hydroponic cannabis crops.
"We are regularly targeting crop houses through various intelligence means, including regular engagement with energy authorities with abnormalities in the power network and most importantly, reports of suspicious behaviour from the community."
