Police shut down hydroponic cannabis farms in the Tweed region

June 30, 2008

Police have shut down a sophisticated hydroponic cannabis farm in the Tweed Heads region, arresting seven alleged members of a criminal syndicate and seizing drugs worth millions of dollars.

Strike Force Waragal was established by the Tweed/Byron Target Action Group in November last year to investigate allegations of the commercial cultivation, processing and supply of cannabis in the Tweed Heads area.

Today saw the culmination of seven months of extensive investigations with the raiding of seven properties at Cudgera Creek, Burringbar, Terranora, Banora Point and Palmvale.

On one property, cannabis was being grown in converted underground bunkers, while at another location a number of rooms inside a house had been converted to hydroponic cannabis growing rooms.

Police have seized over 500 plants, worth about $2 million, tens of thousands of dollars in cash and hydroponic equipment valued at about $100,000.

It will be alleged electricity was being stolen to power the hydroponic set-ups.

Seven men were arrested during the warrants and are currently assisting police with their inquiries at Tweed Heads Police Station. Charges are expected to be laid.

Today’s operation was conducted by the Tweed/Byron Target Action Group with the assistance of officers from throughout the Northern Region as well as the Dog Unit from Sydney.

Tweed/Byron Crime Manager, Detective Inspector Greg Carey, praised his officers for their perseverance and professionalism in investigating the alleged criminal syndicate which resulted in today’s raids.

“This is another significant win for the NSW Police Force in the war against drugs,” Det Insp Carey said.

“Illegal drugs are a scourge on our community, and the tenacity of these officers has seen millions of dollars worth of drugs prevented from hitting the streets as well as the dismantling of a sophisticated criminal operation.

“The community can be assured that the NSW Police Force will continue to detect and lock up those producing illegal drugs and shut down these kinds of operations.”

It is believed the cannabis was destined for the streets of Tweed Heads and the Gold Coast.

Det Insp Carey added that the community also had an important role to play in assisting police in detecting those dabbling in the illegal drug trade.

“I urge anyone who suspects the production or supply of illegal drugs in their local area to alert police,” he said.

“This can be done by contacting your local police station or phoning Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, and you can also remain anonymous if you wish.”

Today’s raids come after the location of numerous hydroponic cannabis houses in Sydney’s west and south-west in recent months, and the dismantling of a significant cannabis producing operation on the mid north coast.

Those raids have seen more than 25 cannabis houses raided, drugs worth tens of millions of dollars seized and numerous people arrested.

Inquiries by officers attached to Strike Force Waragal are continuing.

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