CHELTENHAM, VIC. — Three men have been charged over their alleged involvement in the trafficking of cannabis across Melbourne’s southeast.
A three-month investigation culminated in the discovery of 400kg of cannabis, as well as traps that were allegedly set up inside the factory, according to Acting Senior Sergeant Anthony Murphy.
Detectives from the Caulfield Divisional Response Unit executed two search warrants – one at a factory on Mill Street, Cheltenham, and another at a unit on Windsor Avenue, Springvale – at about 7am on Wednesday, September 24.
“Not only have we taken 400kg of this drug out of the hands of alleged traffickers before it could be on sold, we have also prevented someone from getting seriously injured,” Acting Snr Sgt Murphy said.
Inside the factory, police dismantled a sophisticated set-up, where they seized more than 500 cannabis plants of varying maturity, weighing approximately 400kg and with an estimated potential street value of $2mil.
“Cannabis set-ups can often go undetected for quite some time, so we are asking members of the community to let us know if they suspect one is on their street,” Acting Snr Sgt Murphy said.
A 33-year-old man and two 18-year-old men were arrested at the unit, where police also seized approximately $20,000 in cash, as well as cannabis seedlings growing in tubs.
All three were charged with trafficking a large commercial quantity of cannabis, cultivating cannabis, and possessing proceeds of crime.
The trio was denied bail to appear in Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on December 18.
It will be further alleged that there were boobytraps placed inside the factory, including live wires, which can be deadly when stood on, with one officer narrowly avoiding injury, or worse.
Separate charges are expected to be laid for setting a trap to harm.
