By Sumeyya Ilanbey
Six people have been charged and 600 cannabis plants seized in a police blitz on crop houses in the western suburbs.
Police from the Brimbank Divisional Response Unit executed 19 search warrants over a three-day period from September 5 to 7, targeting houses in St Albans, Sunshine, Deer Park, Kealba and Melton.
Officers seized 591 plants, five firearms and some cash.
Sergeant Steve Boskovski said police would be working with power companies to uncover more crop houses in the region
“Advancement in equipment has allowed [power companies] to easily identify addresses using high amounts of power, despite by-passes being set up,” Sergeant Boskovski said.
“These properties can be serious fire hazards and pose a significant risk to neighbouring houses.”
A 57-year-old Brookfield man and a 51-year-old Melton man were both charged with cultivating and trafficking a commercial quantity of cannabis. Both were remanded in custody.
A 69-year-old Melton man was also charged with cultivating and trafficking a commercial quantity of cannabis and was bailed, to appear at the Melbourne Magistrates Court.
A 29-year-old Deer Park man, a 39-year-old St Albans man, and a 58-year-old St Albans woman were charged with cultivating cannabis.
