By CASEY NEILL
A DANDENONG $3.8 million drug bust saw three people jailed this week.
The Dandenong Tasking Unit started investigating a syndicate using multiple houses to cultivate cannabis in August 2011.
On 27 March last year it executed search warrants on homes in Montclair Close in Springvale South, Ruby Place in Springvale, Hughes Crescent in Dandenong North, Keysborough’s Westbrook Drive, Mein Street in Springvale and Jeffers Street in Noble Park.
They also raided homes in Jacobs Drive in Clarinda, Lake King Circle in Waterways, Mulgrave’s Edgbaston Way and Saltram Court in Carrum Downs.
The operation involved more than 100 police and nabbed 1548 cannabis plants, with a street value topping $3.8 million.
They also seized hydroponic equipment, three vehicles valued at $350,000 and $27,800 in cash.
County Court Judge Geoffrey Chettle on 28 June sentenced three people charged with trafficking and cultivating a large commercial quantity of cannabis over the incident.
He ordered Angela Sinn, 43, to serve six years in jail with a four-year non-parole period and Nov Sinn, 66, to serve five years with a minimum of three and a half years.
Pek Chegne, 60, will serve at least 18 months of his three year sentence and pay a $13,500 fine.
At the time of the raids, Superintendent Derek Lamb from the Southern Metropolitan Region told the Star the action had disrupted the activities of people who manufactured and distributed drugs in the area.
“We are driven by action and are mindful that the manufacture and drug use drives other crime,” he said.
Greater Dandenong CIU Acting Detective Sergeant Luke Kirton said Victoria Police was now pursuing a $4 million asset seizure relating to the case.
He said the sentences were a great outcome from a long and difficult job.
“It’s hard to even put a figure on the hours it would take officers to put that together,” he said.
“You’re looking at 1000 man hours just on the warrant day.
“This is an example of what can be achieved if we have reliable information and we can dedicate resources to these kids of issues.”
Act Det Sgt Kirton encouraged the public to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 with any information on drug activity.
