By Mitchell Clarke
Seven people across Melbourne’s south eastern suburbs were arrested on Wednesday 17 July as part of an investigation into an organised drug syndicate.
Police seized several thousand cannabis plants as part of Operation Escapist after executing warrants at a number of commercial and residential premises including a factory on Link Road, Pakenham.
Several significant hydroponic cannabis set-ups were located within factory buildings, with approximately 1000 plants being held in some of the buildings.
Drug manufacturing equipment, cocaine and cash were also located and seized during the raids.
Detective Acting Superintendent Craig Darlow said the results were significant for Melbourne.
“Drug manufacture, trafficking and use in the Victorian community continues to be a major concern for police,” Mr Darlow said.
“Operations like this highlight the links that drugs have to organised crime, plus we are seeing time and time again that many of our most violent crimes such as homicides and shootings have their roots in the drug trade.
“The hydros that have been located today are absolutely on the larger end of the scale and we’re looking at seizing several thousand plants as part of this operation.”
Carrying out the raids were members from the Clandestine Laboratory Squad, along with detectives from Crime Command and members of the Australian Federal Police and Australian Border Force.
The four men and three women arrested will now be interviewed by police.
