Drug and Firearms Squad detectives have seized more than $5.5 million worth of cannabis and charged two men on the state's Mid North Coast, as part of ongoing investigations into the cultivation and supply of cannabis across NSW.
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The bust comes after a $40 million cannabis haul in October on properties at Minimbah, Melinga and Moorland south of Port Macquarie.
Fourteen offenders were charged in that raid in what was one of the largest cannabis seizures in Australian history.
In this latest drug bust, inquiries uncovered a remote property near Coffs Harbour being used for the large-scale cultivation of cannabis.
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Following extensive investigations, strike force detectives executed a crime scene warrant at the property on Williams Road at Bonville, from 8.20am on November 4.
Detectives were assisted throughout the operation by officers from Coffs/Clarence Police District, Northern Region Enforcement Squad (RES), the Dog Unit and Marine Area Command.
Investigators located and seized 1845 cannabis plants, with an estimated potential street value of $5.5 million.
Two men aged 22 and 29 were arrested at the property and taken to Coffs Harbour Police Station.
The pair were charged with cultivate prohibited plant (large commercial quantity) and participate in criminal group contribute criminal activity.
They were both refused bail to appear at Coffs Harbour Local Court today, November 5.
Investigators are working with the Department of Home Affairs regarding the visa status of the group.
In November last year, detectives from the State Crime Command's Drug and Firearms Squad, assisted by the Australian Crime Intelligence Commission (ACIC), established Strike Force Harthouse to investigate the cultivation and supply of cannabis across NSW.
Since the inception of Strike Force Harthouse, investigators have located and dismantled six rural properties being used for cannabis cultivation, charged 19 people and seized cannabis worth more than $60.2 million.
State Crime Commander Assistant Commissioner Stuart Smith said that the illicit activities of organised criminal syndicates are rarely restricted to a specific crime type.
"The significance of the arrests and seizures made under Strike Force Harthouse, stretch far beyond the cannabis trade, it impacts the revenue made by these criminal groups to invest in other organised crime that places the community's safety and way of life under constant risk," he said.
Inquiries under Strike Force Harthouse are continuing.