Four charged, 856 plants seized in drug busts …

By Nicole Williams
POLICE seized $1 million worth of drugs and equipment from Operation Jibbing on Monday.
The operation successfully targeted the cultivation of hydroponic cannabis crops in the Greater Dandenong area.
Twenty-six police officers carried out four drug warrants and two evidence warrants on residential homes in Keysborough, Dingley Village and Springvale. Police made four arrests.
The police unit found hydroponic set-ups in four houses and seized large amounts of cannabis plants, cash and hydroponic equipment.
Sergeant Dean Hayes of the Greater Dandenong tasking unit said the operation was a success with police seizing 856 cannabis plants, 20 kilograms of dried cannabis, close to $20,000 in cash and hydroponic equipment worth $168,000.
He said the total value of the items seized was estimated at $1 million.
Raids were carried out on properties in Bloomfield Road, Isaac Road and Lugarno Court in Keysborough, Lower Dandenong Road, Dingley Village and Garnsworthy Street, Springvale.
A 56-year-old Dingley Village woman was arrested on charges of trafficking, cultivation and possession of a commercial quantity of drugs as well as charged with theft of power.
A 32-year-old Springvale man was also arrested on the same charges.
Both were remanded to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.
A 22-year-old Keysborough woman and 23-year-old Keysborough woman were arrested on charges of cultivation of a commercial quantity of drugs and released on summons. The operation included the Greater Dandenong Police Tasking Unit, Dandenong Crime Investigation Unit and Moorabbin Police Tasking Unit.
In November last year, more than 9000 cannabis plants were seized in Operation Entity. Police searched 74 properties and arrested 43 people across the state to smash alleged drug syndicates involved in the cultivation of cannabis.
Many of the arrests were made in Greater Dandenong and on the biggest day of the raid 14 properties were raided in Dandenong North, Springvale, Springvale South, Noble Park and Noble Park North.
Sgt Hayes said anyone who suspects a property has a hydroponic set up should report it Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.