Police have seized more than $16-million worth of cannabis following a fire in Sydney's north-west.
Officers from Hawkesbury Police Area Command were called to an East Kurrajong property about 10.30am yesterday (Wednesday 19 August 2021) following reports of a shed fire.
The blaze was extinguished by Fire & Rescue NSW, assisted by NSW Rural Fire service, before it was established the property was being used for the large-scale cultivation of cannabis.
A crime scene was established and detectives from State Crime Command's Drug and Firearms Squad commenced inquiries, dismantling equipment consistent with the cultivation of cannabis and seizing 4555 cannabis plants with an estimated potential street value of nearly $16 million.
Drug and Firearms Squad Detective Superintendent John Watson said disrupting and dismantling grow houses prevents the funds they generate being used for other criminal enterprises.
"These types of large-scale cannabis cultivation operations are dangerous and pose a risk to the community," D/Supt Watson said.
"The funding from these kinds of operations is commonly funnelled into other illicit activities well beyond the cannabis trade.
"NSW Police will always be committed to keeping our communities safe. Investigations into this incident remain ongoing and we encourage anyone with any information to contact Crime Stoppers," D/Supt Watson said.
Investigations by the Drug and Firearms Squad are continuing.
Anyone with information about the cultivation and supply of cannabis is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages
