Redfern Region Enforcement Squad investigators have charged two people and seized cannabis worth nearly $275,000, after uncovering a hydroponic house in Sydney’s south.
Strike Force Grassy was established in 2011 by detectives attached to Redfern Region Enforcement Squad (RES) to investigate the enhanced indoor cultivation of cannabis across the Central Metropolitan Region.
As part of ongoing investigations, Redfern RES investigators, with assistance from the Central Metropolitan Operations Support Groups (OSG), executed a crime scene warrant at a property at Morotai Avenue, Riverwood, from 12pm yesterday (Wednesday 20 January 2021).
During the search, police seized 92 cannabis plants with an estimated potential street value of $274,000.
A short time later, officers arrested a 51-year-old man and 54-year-old woman at Ryde.
Two further crime scene warrants were subsequently executed at homes at Samuel Street, Ryde, and William Street, Riverwood.
During the searches, police seized documentation and other items relevant to the investigation.
The pair were taken to Ryde Police Station and charged with cultivate prohibited plant (commercial quantity).
They were both refused bail to appear at Burwood Local Court today (Thursday 21 January 2021).
Investigations by Redfern RES under Strike Force Grassy 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. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
