Redfern RES investigators have charged three men and seized cannabis plants worth $3.3 million after a large industrial hydroponic cannabis set-up was uncovered in Sydney’s south.
Strike Force Grassy was established in 2011 by detectives attached to Redfern Region Enforcement Squad (RES) to investigate the indoor cultivation of cannabis across the Central Metropolitan Region.
As part of ongoing inquiries, Redfern RES investigators, with assistance from Operation ODIN, executed a search warrant at an industrial warehouse at Barry Avenue, Mortdale, just after 1pm yesterday (Monday 20 July 2020).
During the search, officers located 1112 cannabis plants, with an estimated potential street value of $3.3 million.
Three men – aged 25, 28 and 29 – were arrested and taken to St George Police Station.
All three were charged with enter enclosed land not prescribed premises without lawful excuse, use/consume/waste etc electricity without authority, cultivate prohibited plant (large commercial quantity).
The men were refused bail to appear at Sutherland Local Court today (Tuesday 21 July 2020).
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.
