A fallen tree has led police to uncover a major cannabis operation in Melbourne’s south-east, with officers seizing nearly a quarter of a million dollars’ worth of the drug from a rental home in Malvern East.
The investigation began in mid-March when a tree toppled onto a neighbouring powerline. The energy company attending the scene discovered an illegal electricity bypass at a property on Batesford Road, triggering a police inquiry.
Following further investigations, officers from the Prahran Divisional Response Unit, with support from the Critical Incident Response Team, executed a search warrant just before 5.30am on Thursday 1 May.
Inside the house, police discovered 90 cannabis plants—39 ready for harvest and 51 in various stages of growth. The crop has an estimated street value of $246,000.
The house, which is believed to be a rental, was unoccupied at the time of the raid. No arrests have been made, and investigations remain ongoing.
Detective Senior Sergeant Scott Ishac from the Prahran Divisional Response Unit said the bust is a significant blow to local drug trafficking operations.
“The cultivation of cannabis is often used to fund further criminal undertakings that cause harm, so seizing such a large amount from traffickers before it can be on sold is extremely satisfying,” he said.
He urged the public to be vigilant and report suspicious activity.
“Crop houses can often go undetected, so the information that the community provides is invaluable,” he said. “Some indicators include blacked-out windows, excess external wiring, and residents only seen at odd hours.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at www.crimestoppers.com.au.
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