By ALESHA CAPONE
POLICE have removed more than 200 cannabis plants from a Sydenham house after a nearby resident witnessed suspicious behaviour.
Brimbank Police Inspector Chris Gilbert said police attended the premises in Manchester Drive on Saturday 31 August, after reports of a potential burglary.
“We went down there and two men fled when they saw police,” Insp Gilbert said.
The Victoria Police K9 squad was called in and helped to locate a man shortly afterwards.
A 25-year-old Sydenham male was arrested and is presently helping investigators with their inquiries.
While in Manchester Drive, police also discovered a “hydroponic grow house” – containing a cannabis crop – about 7pm.
“We remained at the scene and had the power disconnected, as the house was on a power bypass,” Insp Gilbert said.
On the Sunday, police removed more than 200 cannabis plants from the residence.
“It was fairly well set up and it was obvious that it was a hydroponic grow house,” Insp Gilbert said.
He said, “essentially all the main parts of the house” had been converted for cannabis cultivation.
Insp Gilbert said police were still searching for the second male who was seen fleeing the scene.
He said illegal power bypass systems, often used to grow cannabis, posed a safety threat to nearby homes as they could cause fires.
Insp Gilbert praised the resident who reported suspicious behaviour at the Sydenham home.
“It was a good response from the neighbour,” he said.
“This just proves that sometimes when you call police, we do come and this was a very good result for us and also good for the community because it helps keep the neighbourhood safe.”
