Please note: Images of the seized drugs are available via Hightail: https://spaces.hightail.com/receive/zmGxTUHpih
Detectives have charged a man after more than 1000 cannabis plants were allegedly seized from a home in Sydney’s north west.
Strike Force Furnace is an ongoing investigation, established by North West Metropolitan Region Enforcement Squad Penrith, into the alleged indoor cultivation of cannabis in Sydney’s north west.
Following extensive inquiries, about 4.15am yesterday (Tuesday 25 August 2026), officers arrested a 38-year-old man on South Street, Rydalmere.
A short time later, officers – with assistance from North West Metropolitan Operational Support Group – executed two crime scene warrants at properties on the same street.
During the search, police allegedly located a commercial scale hydroponic cannabis set up, with 1017 cannabis plants seized from the properties.
The cannabis plants have an alleged estimated street value of more than $5 million.
The man was taken to Gladesville Police Station, where he was charged with cultivate prohibited plant more than or equal to large commercial quantity, divert/use electricity for generating etc system without authority, and enhanced indoor cultivation plant for commercial purpose.
He was refused bail and appeared before Burwood Local Court yesterday, where he was formally refused bail to appear before the same court on Wednesday 21 October 2026.
