POLICE raids on properties in Patterson Lakes and Carrum Downs last week allegedly found more than 120 cannabis plants and elaborate hydroponic set ups – and even a specially insulated roof to prevent heat being detected by police helicopters.
The raids carried out at 7.30am, Tuesday 21 February, were part of police operation called Rebuker 16.
A Colac Ct property was allegedly found to house about 90 cannabis plants and two fully functional hydro units with lamps in two rear bedrooms. At the rear was a garage also set up as a hydro unit allegedly holding 10 more fully grown cannabis plants.
A large backpack containing a garbage bag full of cannabis buds and a ziplock bag were also found, police said.
A man, 43, and woman, 29, were arrested and taken back to Chelsea police station for interview.
A second raid on the same day was carried out at a property in Myna Ct, Carrum Downs,.
Here, police will allege they found a “sophisticated” cannabis crop room in the garage containing 31 large cannabis plants. They will allege the accused had built a special room inside the garage with insulation between its two roofs to prevent heat being detected by police helicopters flying overhead.
An electrical bypass system had also been installed, preventing the power company identifying the user of large amounts of electricity.
The 43-year-old man was charged with cultivating, trafficking and possessing a drug of dependence at the two properties. He was bailed to appear at Frankston Magistrates’ Court in May.
A Bonbeach woman, 29, will be charged on summons with outstanding warrants.
First published in the Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News – 1 March 2017
