Two men have been charged following investigations into alleged cannabis cultivation in the Tuggerah area.
In November this year, officers attached to Gordon Region Enforcement Squad (RES) commenced an investigation into the indoor cultivation of cannabis across the state’s north.
Initial inquiries revealed a criminal syndicate were allegedly using a false company to conceal the cultivation of cannabis at a business premise at Tuggerah.
Following extensive inquiries, officers from Gordon RES executed a crime scene warrant at a business at Tindal Road, Tuggerah, and two search warrants at units at Cremorne and Rosebery from 6.45am yesterday (Wednesday 1 December 2021).
Gordon RES were assisted throughout the operation by the Public Order and Riot Squad (PORS), Central Metropolitan Region Operations Support Group (OSG) and North West Metropolitan Region OSG.
During the search at Tuggerah, police uncovered a large sophisticated indoor cannabis set-up, containing nearly 500 cannabis plants and about 10kg of dried cannabis.
During the search at Cremorne, police seized dried cannabis, a flick knife, $1820 cash, two replica firearms and documentation.
All items seized during the operation will undergo further examination.
Shortly after, police arrested two men – aged 35 and 34 – during two separate vehicle stops on the M1 Motorway. The men were taken to local police stations.
The older man was charged with cultivate prohibited plant (large commercial quantity – cannabis), supply cannabis (indictable quantity), deal with property proceeds of crime and possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit.
He was refused bail and is due to appear at Hornsby Local Court today (Thursday 2 December 2021).
The younger man was charged with cultivate prohibited plant (large commercial quantity – cannabis), supply cannabis (indictable quantity), two counts of possess unauthorised pistol, two counts of possess unregistered firearm (pistol) and two counts of not keep firearm safely (pistol).
He was granted strict conditional bail to appear at Hornsby Local Court on Wednesday 15 December 2021.
Investigations are continuing.
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.
