$16 million East Kurrajong cannabis drugs bust and grow houses dismantled following shed fire

Police have seized more than $16-million worth of cannabis following a fire at East Kurrajong yesterday – Wednesday.

Officers from Hawkesbury Police Area Command were called to the East Kurrajong property about 10.30am following reports of a shed fire.

The blaze was put out by Fire & Rescue NSW, assisted by NSW Rural Fire service, before it was realised the property was being used for the large-scale cultivation of cannabis.

A crime scene was established and detectives from State Crime Command’s Drug and Firearms Squad began inquiries, dismantling equipment consistent with the cultivation of cannabis and seizing 4555 cannabis plants with an estimated potential street value of nearly $16 million.

Drug and Firearms Squad Detective Superintendent John Watson said disrupting and dismantling grow houses prevented the funds they generated being used for other criminal enterprises.

A police picture from the East Kurrajong cannabis bust

“These types of large-scale cannabis cultivation operations are dangerous and pose a risk to the community,” Det Supt Watson said.

“The funding from these kinds of operations is commonly funnelled into other illicit activities well beyond the cannabis trade.

“NSW Police will always be committed to keeping our communities safe. Investigations into this incident remain ongoing and we encourage anyone with any information to contact Crime Stoppers,” Det Supt Watson said.

Investigations by the Drug and Firearms Squad are continuing.

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