Sydney: More than 12,500 cannabis plants – with an estimated potential street value in excess of $16 million – have been found in the Richmond Local Area Command over the last three weeks.
Police from the State Crime Command's Drug Squad and the Police Air Wing, PolAir, have raided illegal crop sites across the commans as part of the Cannabis Eradication Program (CEP).
Last week alone they raided sites at Cawongla, Wadeville, New Italy, Double Duke, Jackie Bulbin, Mumblegum, Bulldog and Ewingar, with more than 4000 plants – worth more than $8 million on the streets – seized.
The raids follow the discovery of a large, sophisticated crop – housing more than 8500 plants – earlier this month. The crop, which was bordered by a 150m-long by 50m-wide stockproof fence, was discovered off a secluded walking trail within the Bundjalung National Park on November 11.
The crop was found by personnel attached to Operation Bindiguy, a high-visibility contingent of Richmond Rural Crime Investigators and National Parks and Wildlife Services staff.
A total of 8605 plants – most of them juvenile – were found at the location. The estimated potential street value of the crop is about $8.6 million.
In early November, a hydroponic cannabis plantation was uncovered in Mascot.
