Police have discovered more than 1,500 cannabis plants growing in ten empty houses in Perth's southern suburbs which had been stripped and fitted with air vents to facilitate the sophisticated set-up.
Ten people, some of whom were living in Perth unlawfully, were arrested on Wednesday after 24 search warrants were executed in Rockingham, Warnbro, Waikiki, Safety Bay, Medina, Port Kennedy, Cooloongup, Byford, Wattleup, Shoalwater, Westminster and Baldivis.
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Ten empty cannabis 'grow houses' in Perth's south
Police have discovered more than 1,500 cannabis plants growing in ten empty houses in Perth's southern suburbs.
The 'grow houses' are believed to be linked to the same drug syndicate.
During the search warrants 1,500 cannabis plants and approximately 30 kilograms of cannabis material - valued at around $3.3 million - was seized, along with cash.
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Detective Senior Sergeant Michael Rowson said the organised crime squad was using significant resources to fund the operation.
"Ten people have been arrested, some of whom are in Australia unlawfully, and there will be ongoing work to identify other members of the syndicate," he said.
"Dismantling this syndicate's operation in the southern suburbs is a significant result for the community and we will continue efforts to identify those people involved in the illicit drug market."
A 42-year-old man from Rockingham has been charged with three counts of cultivate a prohibited drug with intent to sell or supply and three counts of fraudulent appropriation of power.
He was refused bail and appeared in court on Thursday.
A 26-year-old man from New South Wales has been charged with one count each of cultivate a prohibited drug with intent to sell or supply and fraudulent appropriate of power.
He was refused bail and is due to appear in the Rockingham Magistrates Court on Thursday.
Four of the arrested persons have been released, pending further investigation.
Six of the arrested persons were referred to the Australian Border Force for further investigation.
Four have subsequently been detained as unlawful non-citizens and transferred to Yongah Hill Immigration Detention Centre, and investigations relating to the two appearing in court are ongoing.
The joint operation to uncover the drugs involved WA Police, the Australian Border Force and the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission.