Police in $1m drug raids
Organised crime squad officers have uncovered one of the most sophisticated and elaborate hydroponic cannabis set-ups in recent years after raids in Perth's north-east yesterday.
The officers in support of the district response team initiative in the west metropolitan region raided two properties in Embleton and Dianella and discovered the set-ups estimated to be worth close to $1 million.
Det-Const. Michael Lynch said 70 mature cannabis plants, with an average height of 3m, had been found in the Embleton property.
It is understood a similar number of plants were found at the Dianella property.
Cash and pieces of drug paraphernalia were also seized at the properties.
"The properties we have been attending to, (the set-ups) have proven to be quite sophisticated and our officers have been awestruck by the amount of time and preparation these people have put in," Det-Const. Lynch said.
A 50-year-old man who lives at the Embleton home was arrested and was last night assisting police with their inquiries.
Police said the range of items found highlighted the degree of sophistication and the alleged intent of the man to sell the drugs "for greed and profit" to the community.
Neighbours said the man moved into the property about two months ago.
Det-Const. Lynch said tip-offs from the community via Crime Stoppers were vital in helping get drugs off WA streets.
"It's an extensive operation, it's quite sophisticated but without the help of the community it wouldn't have been cracked," he said.
"These people are living next to members of the community who don't know what's actually going on.
"It's the fact that members of the public who are contacting us are helping to stem the flow of drugs out to the streets," he said.
Organised crime squad officers are expected to search other properties as investigations continue.
