A 53-year-old man has been charged after police discovered a hydroponic cannabis set-up concealed in a purpose-built bunker under the living room of a home in the Riverina region.
Officers from the Murrumbidgee Police District Proactive Crime Team executed a search warrant on the man’s property on Old Willbriggie Road at Hanwood yesterday morning.
“During the search of a bedroom, police located a sophisticated hydroponic cannabis set-up and seized 16 small cannabis plants,” NSW Police said in a statement.
“A further search of the premises revealed an underground bunker with a trap door concealed under the living room carpet. Ten mature cannabis plants, all being grown under heat lamps, were seized by police.
“Also found during the search was a quantity of cannabis leaf, methylamphetamine and MDMA and a trench knife, which is classified as a prohibited weapon.”
Officers also seized equipment used in the cultivation and supply of cannabis.
A 53-year-old man was arrested at the scene and taken to Griffith Police Station.
He was charged with five offences including cultivate prohibited plant, alter or add to electricity installation for metering, possess prohibited weapon without permit and two counts of possess prohibited drug.
He was refused bail to appear at Griffith Local Court today.
Police say signs of a hydro house can include:
• Increased security measures (roller shutters, fences, vicious dogs in the yard),
• Increased use of electricity,
• Increased use of water,
• Illegal connection to electrical supply,
• Condensation on windows,
• Continual running of generators and lights,
• Disposal of large amounts of garbage,
• Large quantities of chemicals and fertilisers around the premises,
• Locks or other methods in place to prevent access to the electricity meter box,
• Discarded plastic containers and strong odours (fertilisers, liquid and bagged growing cultures).
Anyone with information about the cultivation and supply of cannabis is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.
