The biggest haul of cannabis in the NSW history – an estimated street value of nearly $67 million – has been seized during a monster police operation in the state’s Central West.
Six people were arrested and more than 19,000 plants seized and Drug and Firearms Squad Commander, Detective Superintendent John Watson said the operation was one of the most significant he’s seen.
“In terms of scale, this is one of the largest and most commercial cannabis enterprises we’ve seen – with significant infrastructure, including two large dams, commercial generators, earth moving equipment, across multiple sites, all of which require attention from workers seven days a week,” he said.
Detectives uncovered a rural property in Dandry – about 35km north of Coonabarabran, or three hours north of Orange – being used for the large-scale cultivation of cannabis.
Following extensive investigations, strike force detectives executed a crime scene warrant at a property at the Newell Highway, Dandry, at about 8am on January, 18.
Drug and Firearms Squad detectives were assisted throughout the operation by Orana-Mid Western Police District, the Dog Unit, Central Metropolitan Region Enforcement Squad (South) and officers from across the state’s Western Region.
The location of the massive drug bust at Coonabarabran. Photo: NSW POLICE
So far during the search, police have seized 19,082 cannabis plants, with an estimated potential street value of nearly $66.8 million, with the operation expected to continue over the coming days.
Six people – five men and one woman – were arrested and taken to Dubbo and Coonabarabran Police Stations.
All six – aged between 23 and 42 – were charged with cultivate prohibited plant (large commercial quantity cannabis), knowingly take part cultivate (large commercial quantity cannabis) and participate criminal group contribute criminal activity.
They were all refused bail to appear at Coonamble Local Court on Wednesday, January 19.
The location of the massive drug bust at Coonabarabran. Photo: NSW POLICE
Det Supt Watson said the seizure of more than 19,000 cannabis plants is believed to be a national record.
“About 90,000 square metres of land has been illegally cleared at this property to make way for more than 20 greenhouses containing cannabis plants at various stages of maturity,” Det Supt Watson said.
“A lot of money has been invested into the property, which we allege existed purely for cannabis cultivation.”
“These types of operations have no regard for the environment or local community and are utilised by criminals only because the crop cycle for cannabis is relatively short – which can mean a quick source of revenue if successful,” Assistant Commissioner Smith said.
Drug and Firearms Squad Commander, Detective Superintendent John Watson
“This particular cannabis crop has resulted in the yield of around 11.5 tonnes of high-end cannabis. This was a sophisticated processing plant with the sole purpose of preparing the commodity for market.
The location of the massive drug bust at Coonabarabran. Photo: NSW POLICE