DEVON MEADOWS, VIC. — Eight people have been arrested – five of whom have been charged – after police dismantled a sophisticated cannabis crop in Melbourne’s southeast, with thousands of plants seized worth $15m.
Officers from the Springvale Divisional Response Unit were assisted by multiple units and executed simultaneous search warrants at a home on Havenstone Drive, Keysborough, and a property on Meadow Road, Devon Meadows, at 7.30am on Tuesday, October 7, Sergeant Josh Gordon said.
At the 20-acre property, it will be alleged that eight suspects fled upon police arrival. All were arrested at the scene shortly after.
Five of them have been charged:
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- A 26-year-old man from Tenby Point,
- A 38-year-old man from Devon Meadows,
- A 42-year-old man from Sunshine,
- A 35-year-old man from Devon Meadows, and
- A 49-year-old man of no permanent fixed address.
All five were charged with cultivating a large commercial quantity of cannabis.
They appeared in Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, October 8, where they were further remanded to reappear at a later date.
The 26-year-old man was also charged with possessing a drug of dependence.
A two-day search of the property revealed the true extent of the alleged illicit crop, with police dismantling the sophisticated set-up that was growing in gardening igloos.
“This investigation highlights the sophisticated measures alleged offenders use to conceal illegal drug activity,” Sergeant Josh Gordon said.
Approximately 4,500 plants of varying maturity were removed from the property, with an estimated potential street value of approximately $15m.
The plants will be destroyed following forensic examination by a botanist.
Police also seized a firearm, and quantities of amphetamines, cocaine, ammunition and cash from the property.
Three men aged 32, 37 and 41 were released on an intent to summons for cultivating a large commercial quantity of cannabis, while a man and woman, both aged 33, were spoken to and released pending enquiries.
Further charges are expected.
