A man has been charged after police located and dismantled a hydroponic cannabis set-up on the state’s South Coast yesterday.
Officers attached to the South East Region Enforcement Squad (SERES) – with assistance from South Coast Police District – attended a home on Arthur Kaine Drive, Merimbula, to conduct compliance checks in relation to a Firearms Prohibition Order and Weapons Prohibition Order, just after 8.30am (Thursday 25 August 2022).
Whilst inside, police found a concealed sophisticated hydroponic cannabis set-up.
During a subsequent search warrant, officers located and seized almost 350 cannabis plants at varying stages of growth and almost 2.5kg of dried cannabis, as well as quantities of methylamphetamine and MDMA.
Police also seized prescription medication, gel blaster rounds and equipment allegedly consistent with the cultivation of prohibited plants.
The prohibited plants will be destroyed.
Following further inquiries, a 42-year-old man was arrested today and taken to Merimbula Police Station where he was charged with one count each of:
- Enhanced indoor cultivation plant for commercial purpose – serious indictable offence,
- Supply cannabis – greater than indictable quantity,
- Possess cannabis – greater than indictable quantity, and,
- Possess prohibited drug.
The Rocky Hall man was refused bail to appear in Wollongong Local Court tomorrow (Saturday 27 August 2022).
Inquiries continue.
Anyone with information about this incident 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.
