Strike Force Zambesi is an initiative by the South West Metropolitan Region in collaboration with local area commands to conduct an eradication of enhanced indoor hydroponic cannabis houses within the region, NSW Police say.
About 8.15am today, officers from the Region Enforcement Squad Wetherill Park, together with the Region Enforcement Squad Bass Hill, executed a search warrant at a home on Esme Avenue, Chester Hill.
Police will allege the home had undergone a renovation specifically for the cultivation of cannabis. A reticulated watering system had been installed along with high-temperature heat-lighting, a sophisticated ventilation/extraction system, and an unlawful electrical by-pass system.
A total of 166 plants were seized by police with an estimated potential street value of $488,000.
A 55-year-old man was arrested inside the home and taken to Bankstown Police Station where he was charged with cultivating a large commercial quantity of cannabis plants, found on a drug premises, steal electricity, and knowingly deal with proceeds of crime.
He has been refused bail and will appear in Bankstown Local Court today.
