Caulfield Divisional Response Unit (DRU) detectives have crushed two separate drug trafficking rings this week, seizing an estimated $3,044,500 of illicit substances, including a tonne of cannabis, before it could reach the street.
Acting swiftly on a community tip off, police swooped on a commercial property in Wannan Street, Highett yesterday morning, uncovering a sophisticated hydroponic set up where they seized over 1,200 cannabis plants worth approximately $3 million.
Two men, a 57-year-old, and a 35-year-old of no fixed address, were arrested at the scene and taken to the Caulfield Police Station for interview.
Both men have been charged with cultivating a large commercial quantity of cannabis.
They have both been remanded to appear before the Melbourne Magistrates Court later today.
In a separate drug trafficking investigation, Caulfield DRU detectives arrested a man following a search warrant at a residential address on Glen Huntley Road, Elsternwick on Tuesday 29 November.
After a search of the property, police uncovered traffickable quantities of what is alleged to be methylamphetamine, cocaine, MDMA, hallucinogenic, and several firearm parts.
The 29-year-old Elsternwick man has been charged with Traffick methylamphetamine, cocaine MDMA and hallucinogenic and possess and unregistered firearm.
He has been bailed to appear before the Moorabbin Magistrates 8 March 2023
Across the two days of action, Caulfield DRU seized:
- 1,291 cannabis plants, weighing almost one tonne, with an estimated street value of $3 million.
- Approximately 50 grams of what is alleged to be cocaine with an estimated street value of $17,500
- Approximately 500 tablets of what is alleged to be MDMA with an estimated street value of $15,000
- Approximately 60 grams of what is alleged to be methylamphetamine with an estimated street value of $12,000
- Approximately 150 grams of what is alleged to be a hallucinogen
- Drug manufacturing items including a pill press and glassware
- An imitation firearm
- Firearm parts
- A taser
- A small amount of ammunition
- Approximately $2,500 cash
Quotes attributed to Caulfield Divisional Response Unit Detective Senior Sergeant David Quirk:
"Community tip-offs play a crucial role in any investigation - If you observe or hear any suspicious behaviour, such as covering or blacking out windows, strong plant smells and unusual or pedestrian movement, please call police."
"Rather than fattening the pockets of would-be criminals, more than $3 million of drugs are on a one-way ticket to being destroyed.
"This week's results should serve as a sobering reminder to any dealer who may think they are invincible - sooner or later, we will be knocking on your door, and you will be facing several years in a prison cell.
