A St Albans man is among three people who were charged following a nine-month long investigation into multiple crop houses across Melbourne south-east.
During the investigation, detectives uncovered three alleged crop houses and seized 763 cannabis plants from Narre Warren, Cranbourne East, and Cranbourne South.
The long running investigation initially commenced on December 1, 2021, when police seized 314 cannabis plants weighing approximately 145 kilograms. No arrests were made at the time.
A further warrant was executed on August 2 in Cranbourne East where another alleged hydroponic set up was located, with 264 plants seized, weighing approximately 115 kilograms.
An investigation into the offenders allegedly responsible for these crop houses continued until September 30, when detectives executed a search warrant at a Abayo Crescent, Cranbourne South address.
Police were required to force entry to the property, where another hydroponic setup was uncovered, along with three males. A total of 185 cannabis plants were seized from the crop house, estimated weight currently being established.
Two of the three males fled from police, scaling the fences of neighbouring homes before being arrested by police shortly afterwards.
Another male, a 28-year-old St Albans, has been charged with cultivating a commercial quantity of cannabis, trafficking a commercial quantity of cannabis, and theft of power in connection to the alleged crop house in Cranbourne South.
He has been remanded to appear before Melbourne Magistrates Court a later date.
