Detectives have charged a man and seized more than $4 million worth of cannabis as part of ongoing investigations into the cultivation and supply of cannabis across NSW.
In November 2019, detectives from the State Crime Command’s Drug and Firearms Squad established Strike Force Harthouse to investigate the cultivation and supply of cannabis across NSW.
On Thursday 27 May 2021, investigators executed three search warrants at properties at Mangrove Mountain and Parramatta. During the searches, officers seized more than $3 million worth of cannabis. A 25-year-old man was charged and remains before the courts
Following further inquiries, strike force detectives, assisted by officers from Brisbane Water Police District, executed a crime scene search warrant at Pemberton’s Hill Road, Mangrove Mountain, on Tuesday 22 June 2021. During the search, officers located and seized more than $3 million worth of cannabis. Two men – aged 54 and 61 – were charged and remain before the courts.
As part of ongoing investigations, strike force detectives executed a crime scene warrant at a property on Prices Road at Douglas Park, from 5am yesterday (Wednesday 4 August 2021).
During the search, investigators located six greenhouses containing more than 1200 cannabis plants, with an estimated potential street value of nearly $4.4 million.
Officers also seized equipment consistent with the cultivation and supply of cannabis.
A 55-year old man was arrested and taken to Narellan Police Station, where he was charged with two counts of cultivate prohibited plant (large commercial quantity), two counts of participate criminal group contribute criminal activity, and deal with property proceeds of crime.
Police will allege in court the man was part of a criminal syndicate and used the Douglas Park property to cultivate cannabis for commercial supply.
The man was refused bail and is due to appear at Picton Local Court today (Thursday 5 August 2021).
Since May this year, officers have seized cannabis with a combined estimated potential street value of more than $10.5 million following the five search warrants.
Inquiries under Strike Force Harthouse 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.
