Three charged after $2mil of cannabis located in Cheltenham factory

Three men have been charged over their alleged involvement in the trafficking of cannabis across Melbourne’s southeast.

The three-month long investigation culminated in the discovery of 400kg of cannabis, as well as traps that were allegedly set up inside the factory.

Detectives from the Caulfield Divisional Response Unit executed two search warrants – one at a factory on Mill Street, Cheltenham, and another at a unit on Windsor Avenue, Springvale – at about 7am on Wednesday 24 September.

Inside the factory, police dismantled a sophisticated set up, where they seized more than 500 cannabis plants of varying maturity, weighing approximately 400kg and with an estimated potential street value of $2mil.

A 33-year-old man and two 18-year-old men were arrested at the unit, where police also seized approximately $20,000 cash, as well as cannabis seedlings growing in tubs.

All three were charged with trafficking large commercial quantity cannabis, cultivate cannabis, and possess proceeds of crime.

The trio was denied bail to appear in Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 18 December.

It will be further alleged that there were boobytraps placed inside the factory, including live wires, which can be deadly when stood on, with one officer narrowly avoiding injury – or worse.

Charges are expected to be laid for setting a trap to harm.

Quotes attributable to Caulfield Divisional Response Unit Detective Acting Senior Sergeant Anthony Murphy:

“Not only have we taken 400kg of this drug out of the hands of alleged traffickers before it could be on sold, we have also prevented someone from getting seriously injured.

“Cannabis set ups can often go undetected for quite some time, so we are asking members of the community to let us know if they suspect one is on their street.

“We are asking the public to provide us with any information on potential crop houses – whether it’s a neighbour or a nearby business – if you have a feeling that something is not right, we want to know about it.”

Media Unit
141781