Police have dismantled a crop house in Malvern East, seizing almost a quarter of a million dollars’ worth of cannabis.
In mid-March, a tree fell onto a neighbouring power line. The energy company employees then noticed a bypass of electricity to the home, which sparked the police investigation.
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Following enquiries, police executed a search warrant at a home on Batesford Road, Malvern East, just before 5.30am on Thursday, 1 May.
During a search of the property, police seized 90 cannabis plants – 39 of which were ready to harvest, and another 51 in various stages of maturity.
The estimated potential street value of the narcotic plants is $246,000.
The rental property was not occupied at the time and no arrests have yet been made.
Police are urging anyone with information to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Detective Senior Sergeant Scott Ishac said the cultivation of cannabis is often used to fund other criminal undertakings.
“Crop houses can often go undetected, so the information that the community provides is invaluable,” Ishac said.
Ishac said some indicators of a potential crop house include: blinds staying closed or blacked-out windows, excess external wiring or cables, and occupants who are rarely seen or only seen during unusual hours.
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