Detectives have charged five men and seized more than $7 million worth of cannabis following an investigation into outdoor cannabis cultivation across Sydney.
Acting on information, detectives from the State Crime Command's Drug and Firearm Squad, under Strike Force Hyperion, commenced an investigation into outdoor cannabis cultivation in Sydney's south-west.
Their inquiries uncovered a semi-rural property near Campbelltown being used for outdoor cannabis cultivation.
Following extensive inquiries, strike force detectives, with assistance from Bass Hill Region Enforcement Squad (RES), Campbelltown City Police Area Command and the Dog Unit, executed a crime scene warrant at a property at Eagleview Road, Minto, from 8am today (Wednesday 3 February 2021).
Officers located and seized 2379 cannabis plants with an estimated potential street value of more than $7.1 million.
During a search of a home and granny flat on the property, officers also seized electronic devices and cash.
Five men – aged 49, 35, 33 and two aged 29 – were arrested during the operation and taken to Campbelltown Police Station.
All five men were charged with cultivate prohibited plant (large commercial quantity), supply prohibited drug (indictable quantity), recklessly deal with proceeds of crime and participate criminal group contribute criminal activity.
The men were refused bail to appear at Campbelltown Local Court tomorrow (Thursday 4 February 2021).
Investigators are working with the Department of Home Affairs regarding the visa status of the group.
Inquiries under Strike Force Hyperion are continuing.
Anyone with information about the cultivation 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 information via NSW Police social media pages.
