Two people have been arrested and charged following an extensive investigation by South Australia Police into the interstate trafficking of large commercial quantities of cannabis.
On Wednesday 2 September, investigators from the Serious and Organised Crime Branch executed search warrants at properties in Pennington and Royal Park as part of an ongoing investigation into the movement of large quantities of cannabis between South Australia, Victoria and New South Wales.
Police will allege the investigation identified multiple instances of large-scale cannabis trafficking during 2026.
It is alleged that on 5 May, approximately 100 kilograms of cannabis was transported from Pennington to Victoria. The driver was subsequently arrested in regional Victoria by Victoria Police.
Police further allege that on 26 June, approximately 22 kilograms of cannabis was trafficked from Pennington to NSW, and on 10 August a further 44 kilograms of cannabis was transported from Pennington to New South Wales. The driver involved in that transport was arrested and charged by New South Wales Police near Newcastle.
During the searches, investigators located and seized approximately five kilograms of dried cannabis, $35,630 in cash and a small hydroponic cannabis crop comprising four plants. Police also located and seized a significant quantity of prescribed equipment associated with cannabis cultivation.
A 56-year-old woman from Pennington was arrested and charged with four counts of trafficking a large commercial quantity of cannabis, money laundering, cultivating cannabis, possessing prescribed equipment and unlawfully interfering with electricity infrastructure.
A 31-year-old man from Royal Park was arrested and charged with three counts of trafficking a large commercial quantity of cannabis, money laundering and possessing prescribed equipment.
Both were refused police bail and have been remanded in custody to appear before court at a later date.
As a result of the investigation, five vehicles have been confiscated, with a total of seven vehicles restrained. Police have also restrained a residential property in Pennington and a vacant block of land in Aberfoyle Park under proceeds of crime legislation.
Quotes attributable to the Officer in Charge of Serious and Organised Crime Branch, Detective Superintendent Campbell Hill:
"This operation demonstrates SAPOL's commitment to targeting organised criminal networks involved in the large-scale trafficking of illicit drugs across Australia."
"The quantities involved in this investigation represent a significant amount of cannabis that would otherwise have reached communities interstate, generating substantial profits for those involved in organised crime."
"South Australia Police remains focused on identifying, disrupting and dismantling criminal syndicates responsible for the production and distribution of illicit drugs, while also targeting the assets and profits derived from their offending."
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