Drug and Organised Crime Squad Detectives executed a search warrant this morning at a Howard Springs home, seizing cannabis and dismantling a large hydroponics system.

Detective Acting Superintendent Clint Sims said members from Territory Response Group were also involved in the operation.

“A 35-year-old man was arrested at the scene and he remains in custody.

“Police located a number of sophisticated hydroponic grow rooms throughout the house.

“In total 32 mature plants were seized by Police”

In addition police located:

·         Approximately 10 kilograms of dried cannabis plant material

·         Numerous stumps of recently harvested cannabis plants

·         In excess of $17,000 in cash

·         A .44 calibre lever action Magnum Rifle

·         Hydroponic grow room equipment including lights, irrigation and electrical equipment

 “The man is expected to be charged with a range of offences including cultivating a commercial quantity of cannabis, possession of a commercial quantity of a schedule 2 substance and firearms offences.”

“The man had caused significant alterations to the rented house to install these rooms.

“This sort of disruption and damage is just another way people determined to run illicit commercial enterprises such as this, continue to affect the lives of innocent people in our community” Detective A/Superintendent Sims said.

Police estimate that the drugs would have had a conservative street value in excess of $500,000.