By CASEY NEILL
DANDENONG police have seized more than 2300 cannabis plants valued at $11 million from one drug syndicate over the past six weeks.
Dandenong Tasking Unit detectives uncovered 480 plants in Keysborough, Drouin and Traralgon last Tuesday (3 September) plus cash, a handgun and drugs believed to be ice.
The previous day, they found 800 cannabis plants growing in a Warragul home and charged a 48-year-old man with cultivating a commercial quantity of cannabis and other offences.
These raids followed a 260-plant haul from a home in Milfull Court, Narre Warren, on 25 August that saw two women, aged 20 and 24, charged and remanded to appear in Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 18 November.
The seizures started at an address in Kent Court, Keysborough, on 23 July, and homes in Noble Park, Clayton and Clayton South the following day.
This haul included more than 728 plants worth $1 million and saw two men, aged 18 and 23, charged.
Greater Dandenong CIU Acting Detective Sergeant Luke Kirton said police had so far executed 10 warrants to uncover the hydroponic setups.
“The investigation has been going on for several months,” he said.
“These are very significant seizures and will no doubt put a dent in that syndicate’s operations.”
Act Det Sgt Kirton said the investigation would continue and more people could be implicated, and that one of the charged syndicate members was an illegal immigrant who escaped detention.
Call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppers.com.au with any information.
