Police have dismantled a crop house in Malvern East, seizing almost a quarter of a million dollars' worth of cannabis.
In mid-March, a tree fell onto a neighbouring powerline, with the energy company then noticing a bypass of electricity to the home, which sparked the police investigation.
Following enquiries, the Prahran Divisional Response Unit - with assistance from the Critical Incident Response Team - executed a search warrant a home on Batesford Road, Malvern East, just before 5.30am on Thursday 1 May.
During a search of the property, police seized 90 cannabis plants - 39 of which were ready to harvest, and another 51 in various stages of maturity.
The estimated potential street value of the narcotic plants is $246,000.
The rental property was not occupied at the time and no arrests have yet been made.
As enquiries continue, police are urging anyone with information to come forward and call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at www.crimestoppers.com.au.
Quotes attributable to the Prahran Divisional Response Unit Detective Senior Sergeant Scott Ishac:
"The cultivation of cannabis is often used to fund further criminal undertakings that cause harm, so seizing such a large amount from traffickers before it can be on sold is extremely satisfying.
"Crop houses can often go undetected, so the information that the community provides is invaluable.
"Some indicators of a potential crop house include the blinds staying closed or blacked-out windows, excess external wiring or cables, and occupants who are rarely seen, and when they are, it is often at unusual hours.
"If you suspect a property in your neighbourhood may be a crop house, please make a report via Crime Stoppers and we will investigate. Remember, you can do this anonymously."
