Gordon Region Enforcement Squad investigators have charged a man, seized cannabis worth an estimated $1.2 million after two hydroponic houses were raided across Sydney’s north west.
Strike Force Tassie was established in August 2020, by detectives attached to Gordon Region Enforcement Squad (RES) to investigate the enhanced indoor cultivation of cannabis across the North West Metropolitan Region.
As part of ongoing investigations, Gordon RES investigators, with assistance from the North West Metropolitan Operations Support Groups (NWM OSG), Ryde Police Area Command, and Penrith Region Enforcement Squad, executed a search warrants at two houses in Marsfield from about 6pm yesterday (Thursday 1 October 2020) and found two hydroponic cannabis set-ups.
During a search a home on Agincourt Road, Marsfield, police seized 172 cannabis plants and cannabis leaf with an estimated potential street value of $500,000.
Officers also seized equipment consistent with the manufacture and supply of cannabis.
A 29-year old man was arrested at the scene and taken to Ryde Police Station, where he was charged with commercial cultivation of cannabis, assist drug premises, and stealing electricity.
The Chinese national was refused bail to appear at Burwood Local Court today (Friday 2 October 2020).
About 8pm, (Thursday 1 October 2020), officers conducted a separate search at a property on Shipway Street, Marsfield, where police seized 231 cannabis plants with an estimated potential street value in excess of $700,000.
Equipment consistent with the supply of cannabis was also seized during the search.
Investigations by Gordon RES under Strike Force Tassie are continuing.
Signs of a hydro house can include:
• Increased security measures (roller shutters, fences, vicious dogs in the yard),
• Increased use of electricity,
• Increased use of water,
• Illegal connection to electrical supply,
• Condensation on windows,
• Continual running of generators and lights,
• Disposal of large amounts of garbage,
• Large quantities of chemicals and fertilisers around the premises,
• Locks or other methods in place to prevent access to the electricity meter box,
• Discarded plastic containers and strong odours (fertilisers, liquid and bagged growing cultures).
Anyone with information about the cultivation and supply of cannabis is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.
