Fire units responded to reports of smoke at the residence at about 10:00pm last night and upon entry located a hydroponic cannabis operation set up inside a bedroom.

Fire fighters called in the NT Police Drug Enforcement Section whose members executed a search warrant.

During the search members located the following:

11 x Cannabis plants (weighting approximately 4 kilograms in total)
2 x Hydroponics grow light
2 x Electrical transformers
8 x Containers of assorted plant and soil nutrients
Photo copies of instructions to make cannabis oil.

The offender will appear in Darwin Magistrates court on 12 July 2010 in relation to the following offences:

Cultivate Prohibited Drug - Trafficable
Possess Prohibited Drug - Trafficable

Police Detective Senior Sergeant Clint Sims estimated the street value of the drugs, once matured, was around $120,000 in the Darwin Area.

"This was a well established hydroponics set up leading us to believe that this was not the man's first crop. NT Police will continue to target the supply of drugs in the Darwin region and anyone with information about drugs is asked to call police on 131444 or Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000" he said

NTFRS said the smoke alarm was activated by a smouldering towel in the man's unit that had been lit by a dropped cigarette.
Media Note - If using the attached photos please credit NT Police.

Media Contact:
Sarah Trinne
8922 3531