Police have dismantled a large cannabis crop house at a Chelsea home, following an investigation into an alleged organised crime syndicate.
The Caulfield Divisional Response Unit executed a search warrant at the home on Newington Parade at 7.30am on Wednesday, July 8.
Police will allege the sophisticated set-up spanned the entirety of the property – eight rooms in total – with investigators seizing more than 200 cannabis plants of varying maturity according to Caulfield Divisional Response Unit Sergeant Stuart Burnham.
“Crop houses can often go undetected for long periods of time, which is evident due to the maturity and number of plants seized.
“It’s for this reason that we ask residents to let us know if they suspect anything unusual at a neighbouring property,” Sergeant Stuart Burnham said.
The commercial quantity of the plants has an estimated potential street value of approximately $1.5 million.
A 22-year-old man from Caroline Springs was arrested at the property and charged with cultivating a drug of dependence.
Pending further analysis of the seized plant material, he could face additional charges.
The man was granted bail to appear at Frankston Magistrates’ Court on Friday, August 1.
“If you do suspect something, please make a report via Crime Stoppers and we will investigate. Remember, you can do this anonymously,” Sergeant Stuart Burnham said.
