Detectives from the Westgate Divisional Response Unit (DRU) seized over a tonne of cannabis following a series of warrants across Melbourne's western suburbs this week.
Following an extensive investigation as part of Operation Irymple, a total of 20 search warrants were executed at large scale cannabis crop houses between Monday and Wednesday this week, in suburbs including Williams Landing, Point Cook, Werribee, Hoppers Crossing and Tarneit.
Police seized approximately 1600 cannabis plants with a street value of over four million dollars, weighing in at more than one tonne. The seized plants will now be transported to Victoria Police's Forensics Services Centre in MacLeod where they will undergo further examination, before being destroyed at the conclusion of the court process.
At this stage, no arrests have been made. Police have gathered significant intelligence as part of the operation and the investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with information about drug manufacturing is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report to www.crimestoppersvic.vom.au.
Quotes attributed to Westgate DRU Sergeant Vince Zurzolo:
"While some people wish to underplay the severity of cannabis use, we see the harm it causes every day across society - whether it's the drug affected driver who kills an innocent motorist, a stabbing or shooting over a drug debt, family violence incidents affected by ongoing drug use, or the ongoing toll on our mental health system."
"That's why operations such as these where we ensure millions of dollars' worth of drugs don't end up on the streets are crucial to improving overall community safety."
"We will continue to relentlessly investigate and target drug manufacturers and traffickers, holding those seeking to profit via illicit means to account."
