By CASEY NEILL
AN ILLEGAL immigrant is facing deportation and charges over a cannabis crop worth more than $300,000, following three drug busts in Greater Dandenong last week.
Dandenong Tasking Unit police executed a search warrant at a home in Parramatta Crescent, Noble Park, on 26 March and found the 39-year-old man inside with a hydroponic set-up.
They seized 473 cannabis plants weighing more than 100 kilograms, which Detective Senior Constable Bret Lavars said could have been worth more than $1.6 million when mature.
Police charged the man with cultivating a commercial quantity of cannabis. He was remanded pending a hearing at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court and a decision from the Department of Immigration and Citizenship.
Police seized 154 cannabis plants worth more than $250,000 after executing a search warrant at a home in Harold Road, Springvale South, on 28 March.
Dandenong Tasking Unit police also uncovered a system to bypass the electricity metre and charged a 49-year-old man with cultivating and trafficking a commercial quantity of cannabis.
He was bailed to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court yesterday (Wednesday 3 April).
On 25 March the unit uncovered 35 grams of methylamphetamine, a taser, a Xanax tablet, seven grams of cannabis, and electrical goods believed to be the proceeds of crime at a home in Perkins Court, Dandenong.
They arrested and charged a 53-year-old Dandenong with trafficking methylamphetamine and possessing cannabis, prescription medication and proceeds of crime.
He was remanded at a hearing at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court to reappear on 4 April.
Det Sen Const Lavars urged anyone who noticed neighbours’ lights on at odd hours, a pungent odour or vans and other vehicles coming and going at all hours to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
