Detectives have seized nearly $10.5 million worth of cannabis and charged four men as part of an investigation into the cultivation and supply of cannabis across NSW.
Acting on information, detectives from the State Crime Command's Drug and Firearms Squad, under Strike Force Hyperion, commenced an investigation into cannabis cultivation in Sydney's south west.
Their inquiries uncovered a semi-rural 10-acre property in Austral being used for the commercial cultivation and supply of cannabis.
Following extensive inquiries, strike force detectives, with assistance from Bass Hill Region Enforcement Squad, PolAir and the Dog Unit, executed a crime scene warrant at a property on Kelly Street, Austral, from 10.30am yesterday (Wednesday 8 April 2020).
Officers located and seized more than 3490 cannabis plants, with an estimated potential street value of nearly $10.5 million.
Police also seized documentation and equipment consistent with the cultivation of cannabis.
Upon entry, four men – aged 45, 29 and two aged 27 – attempted to run from police before being arrested and taken to Liverpool Police Station.
The men were all charged with cultivate prohibited plant (large commercial quantity) and participate in criminal group contribute criminal activity.
Police will allege in court that the men were involved in the large-scale cultivation of cannabis.
All four were refused bail to appear at Liverpool Local Court today (Thursday 9 April 2020).
Investigations under Strike Force Hyperion are continuing, and further arrests are expected.
Police are urging anyone with information in relation to the cultivation and supply of cannabis to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au/. Information you provide will be treated in the strictest of confidence. We remind people they should not report crime information via our social media pages.
