A man and a woman have been charged after police uncovered more than $1.2 million worth of cannabis at Lake Macquarie on Tuesday.
The grow houses, uncovered by officers from Lake Macquarie Police District, were allegedly being used for the large-scale cultivation of the leafy drug.
Following extensive inquiries, detectives executed two search warrants at properties in Cooranbong and Bonnells Bay on 18 July.
Investigators subsequently located and seized more than 600 cannabis plants, with an estimated potential street value of $1.2 million.
A 48-year-old male and 45-year-old female were arrested during the operation and taken to Toronto Police Station.
Lake Macquarie crime manager Detective Chief Inspector Scott Parker said police would continue to run similar raids to ensure harmful drugs were taken off the streets.
“Additionally, these type of grow houses pose a significant risk to emergency services and utility service personnel, as they navigate the dismantling of illegal electricity bypasses,” he added.
The duo was charged with enhanced indoor cultivate cannabis for commercial purpose, cultivate prohibited plant>= commercial quantity-cannabis, and divert/use electricity for generating etc system without authority.
They were refused bail to appear before Toronto Local Court on Wednesday 19 July.
Anyone with information about the illicit cultivation of cannabis should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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