Almost $22 million worth of cannabis has been seized, after police uncovered the largest industrial grow-house cannabis crop in New South Wales since 2010.
Four men were arrested, and 20 large-scale industrial grow houses were dismantled near Lismore yesterday.
In November last year, police established Strike Force Harthouse to investigate the cultivation and supply of cannabis across the state.
They found a remote, 120-acre Gibberagee property being used for large-scale cultivation.
Investigators took more than 7,000 cannabis plants, and 50 kilograms of cannabis head.
The men, aged 20, 34, 35 and 37, were arrested and taken to Lismore Police Station.
They were all refused bail to appear in Lismore Local Court today.
Investigators are working with the Department of Home Affairs regarding the visa status of the group.
NSW Police Force State Crime Commander, Assistant Commissioner Stuart Smith, said investigators have successfully dismantled one of the largest cannabis syndicates police have seen.
“Since the inception of Strike Force Harthouse, investigators have dismantled three rural properties being used for cannabis cultivation, charged 12 people and seized cannabis worth more than $41 million.
“Criminals who profit from cultivating these drugs are often known to re-invest funds into other criminal enterprises that directly impact the communities of NSW.”
Investigations are continuing.
