Tenant

By Bridget Cook
In November last year, Victoria Police executed search warrants on 74 addresses across the state – many of the those in the Greater Dandenong area – in a bid to smash organised drug syndicates involved in the cultivation of cannabis.
Operation Entity, the largest operation in the organisation’s history, saw more than 680 members seize more than 9000 cannabis plants and charge numerous people with drug-related offences as part of the operation.
On the biggest day of raids, three properties in Dandenong North, five in Springvale, two in Springvale South, three in Noble Park and one in Noble Park North were raided. Homes in nearby suburbs including Hallam, Narre Warren and Hampton Park were also raided.
Of the 74 addresses across the state involved, 80 per cent of those were rental properties.
Detective Sergeant Mark Collins of the Drug Task Force said police were concerned with the number of private rental properties being used to cultivate drugs.
“The number of rental houses used to grow drugs is concerning and it’s something we see in our work everyday and something the wider community need to be aware of, especially if you are thinking about renting a house out,” he said.
Det Sgt Collins said it was important landlords went through the proper channels in a bid to protect their rented properties and help police stamp out drugs being cultivated in residential houses.
“Houses that are used to cultivate drugs have damaged walls and floors and their electricity supply has been tampered with,” he said.
“Harmful chemicals also remain in the house long after a set-up has been dismantled and such chemicals can have an adverse effect on one’s respiratory system.”