Drug and Firearms Squad detectives have charged two people after dismantling 12 large-scale industrial grow houses in the state’s Hunter Region and seizing cannabis with a street value of nearly $8 million.
In November last year, detectives from the State Crime Command’s Drug and Firearms Squad established Strike Force Harthouse to investigate the cultivation and supply of cannabis across NSW.
Their inquiries uncovered a remote property near Muswellbrook, which was being used for the large-scale cultivation of cannabis.
Following extensive investigations, strike force detectives executed a crime scene warrant at a property on the Golden Highway at Gungal, about 58km south-east of Muswellbrook, from 9am yesterday (Thursday 20 August).
During the search, investigators seized 2,628 cannabis plants with an estimated potential street value of $7.8 million.
Officers also located equipment consistent with the cultivation of cannabis within 12 large-scale industrial grow houses, which were subsequently dismantled.
Two men – aged 24 and 29 – were arrested at the property and taken to Muswellbrook Police Station.
The Cabramatta men were both charged with cultivate prohibited plant (large commercial quantity).
Both men were refused bail to appear at Muswellbrook Local Court today (Friday 21 August).
Investigations by the Drug and Firearms Squad are continuing.
