By NICOLE VALICEK
A NUMBER of Melton residents will face drug charges after raids were carried out on various properties and locations in the West last week.
Detectives from the Melton Crime Investigation Unit arrested a 27-year-old Kurunjang man on Thursday last week as a result of an ongoing investigation into drug related offences.
A search warrant was executed on the Tulloch Avenue property with the assistance of the Special Operations Group and Clan Lab Squad.
The man was arrested without incident before the property was searched.
Eight mature cannabis plants were located and a number of pre-cursor chemicals for the manufacture of illicit drugs were seized before the area was made safe.
The Kurunjang man was charged with a number of drug and weapons offences, including for possession of a prohibited weapon and possession of ammunition without a licence.
He was bailed to appear before the Sunshine Magistrate’ Court on 30 April.
Detective Senior Sergeant Barry Jenks from the Melton Criminal Investigation Unit said police believe other people may have been involved in the enterprise.
He said small drug manufacturing labs are a big concern for police and posed a threat to the community.
“There is not only the potential to increase the availability of drugs such as ice and amphetamines but there is inherent risks involved where unqualified novices are experimenting with volatile chemicals,” Det Sen Sgt Jenks said.
“The manufacture of illicit drugs in residential areas poses a real threat to the community. The risk of fire and explosion is always there.”
Meanwhile, five men were arrested after a five month investigation into cannabis-growing in the area.
Investigators from operation Taxa raided six properties at Hillside, Melton, Sydenham and Strathmerton at 6am on Tuesday last week.
Three Hillside men aged 32, 35 and 45 were charged with possession, trafficking and cultivating cannabis.
More than 200 mature plants were located at a Melton Valley Drive factory and a Strathmerton rural property with an estimated street value of about $700,000.
