By NATALIE GALLENTI
POLICE swooped on homes across Melbourne’s West last week, seizing thousands of cannabis plants with an estimated street value of over $20 million.
Properties in Burnside, Caroline Springs, Melton West and Kurunjang were raided as part of Operation Taxa, which kicked off on 30 July.
In one operation last week 440 plants were seized from a Burnside home, along with $100,000 of hydroponic equipment.
Assistant Commissioner Stephen Fontana said the house in Elliott Court, Burnside, had nine rooms dedicated to growing cannabis.
He said the rooms were purposely sealed with plaster and power had been bypassed from the house.
Another hydroponic set up was discovered in St Albans last Thursday, when firefighters were called out to a house in Feldspar Close.
MFB crews found a room on fire and almost 200 cannabis plants growing in six rooms.
No one was at the house at the time and police are investigating.
To date, Drug Task Force detectives have executed 48 warrants, made 20 arrests and seized more than 6700 cannabis plants as part of the operation.
Assistant Comm Fontana said the aim of Operation Taxa was to dismantle the grow houses in a bid to crack down on organised crime syndicates involved in the production of cannabis.
“This successful operation has sent a clear message to those taking part in this illegal activity – police are taking it seriously and will continue to target cannabis grow houses throughout the state,” he said.
Mr Fontana is urging anyone with information regarding cannabis grow houses to contact police.
“There seems to be this acceptance in the community with regard to cannabis use and this must change,” he said.
“As well as the serious health risks, the use of illicit drugs in the community is also a key driver in volume and violent crime, and also contributes to our road toll.”
Operation Taxa remains ongoing.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppers.com.au.
