Raids net $9 million in cannabis

By Kelly Yates
POLICE seized more than $9 million worth of cannabis, arrested 13 people and confiscated more than $250,000 in cash after raiding houses in Hampton Park, Narre Warren, Berwick and Endeavour Hills last week.
More than 100 detectives and local police searched several houses and seized 1100 cannabis plants as part of a four month Drug Task Force operation which targeted cannabis trafficking.
According to police, most of the houses searched contained hydroponic commercial cannabis crops.
Detective Inspector Doug Fryer from the Drug Task Force believes that this operation will have a significant impact on the cannabis trade.
“It has been a great two days for our investigators and a very bad two days for organised crime,” he said.
“This successful operation has removed in excess of half a tonne of cannabis from making it on the streets.”
Det Insp Fryer said the operation resulted in the largest cannabis seizure over the past 12 months.
Eight of those arrested appeared in Melbourne Magistrates’ Court last Friday.
One person was charged and bailed to appear at court at a later date, and four people were released pending further inquiries.
Police are also in the process of seizing several houses under the confiscation legislation.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.