Police have seized more than $6 million worth of cannabis during raids in the around Coffs Harbour as part of the 2011-2012 Cannabis Eradication Program.
Strike Force Hyperion comprises detectives from the Drug Squad’s Cannabis Team, with assistance from the NSW Police Air Wing, Police Dog Unit and local area commands from the Northern Region.
From Sunday, February 26 to Thursday, March 1, Strike Force Hyperion targeted cannabis crop sites throughout the Coffs Harbour hinterland
A total of 3321 plants, some up to 2.5 metres high, were located and seized by police during the operation.
The total estimated potential street value of the plants seized is $6.6 million. All plants seized by police have now been destroyed.
Police also issued a number of court attendance notices for cultivating a prohibited plant.
Investigations are continuing.
Drug Squad Commander, Detective Superintendent Nick Bingham, said the Cannabis Eradication Program for 2011/12 was ongoing with further crop sites in northern NSW to be targeted.
“This week’s operation in the Coffs/Clarence area has been a great success, stopping more than $6 million of cannabis reaching NSW streets,” Det Supt Bingham said.
“That’s what this program is all about – disrupting the cannabis supply chain in NSW by targeting the source.”
The Cannabis Eradication Program has been running since the mid 1980s with the NSW Police Force preventing more than $230 million worth of cannabis reaching NSW streets.