Police have uncovered another large commercial cannabis crop at Coonalpyn yesterday as part of Operation Argon.
The SA Police Serious and Organised Crime Branch commenced Operation Argon in September 2019 to investigate the syndicated large commercial cultivation and trafficking of cannabis.
On Monday 24 March, Detectives from the Serious and Organised Crime Branch arrested five men for cultivate a large commercial quantity of cannabis after 486 mature cannabis plants were located in dense scrub land near Coonalypn.
The arrested men appeared in the Adelaide Magistrates Court on Wednesday 25 March.
As a result of further searches conducted this week, Detectives located another cannabis crop comprising of 854 mature cannabis plants near Coonalpyn.
This brings the total number of plants seized under Operation Argon to 1347.
Investigations are continuing regarding this second seizure.
This result comes after several other significant cannabis seizures across South Australia in recent weeks.
Acting Detective Chief Inspector Jon Halliday from Serious and Organised Crime Branch said, “This is yet another significant seizure of cannabis that demonstrates SAPOL’s commitment to impact the operations of organised crime across all areas of South Australia.
While some criminals might think they are reducing their risk of apprehension by operating in remote areas, Operation Argon clearly demonstrates this not to be the case.”
Officers will continue to target people and groups suspected of trafficking, cultivating or manufacturing controlled drugs.
Anyone who trafficks illicit drugs can face penalties of up to $500,000 fine or life imprisonment and can also forfeit assets such as houses and cars.
Members of the public who have information about drug trafficking, cultivation or manufacture are urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au/ – you can remain anonymous.
