South Australian police have uncovered a secret cannabis crop hidden behind a bookshelf in a property in Adelaide’s north-east.
Police carried out a search warrant at a Greenwith property on Sunday. The search led officers to a bookshelf, which opened electronically into a secret underground room. Inside, police seized roughly 65 live cannabis plants, in what they allege was a “nursery-style set-up”.
Police also uncovered a number of plant racks on the property, which they believe were being used to dry and harvest cannabis. A total of $135,000 in cash was also found hidden around the home.
More seizures were also made on Sunday after police carried out a second search at a property in Port Wakefield. Officers seized another 99 cannabis plants, which were stretched across five grow rooms.
Police believe that the operation in both properties was fairly sophisticated and well organised. Electricity in both homes was being diverted, and sophisticated steps had been taken to conceal the operation. No dried cannabis was found during either search.
Two Greenwith residents, a 38-year-old man and a 33-year-old woman, have been arrested in connection with the cannabis crops. They are both facing multiple offences, including diverting electricity, unlawful possession, possession of prescribed equipment and cultivating cannabis in a large commercial quantity.
They have been granted bail and will face Elizabeth Magistrates Court on March 5th.
Detective Chief Inspector Darren Fielke has warned that South Australia police are continuing to crack down on illegal cannabis operations.
Serious and Organised Crime Branch will continue to focus on efforts on those people who traffick in and cultivate cannabis for financial gain and to facilitate other criminal offending.
South Australia police have seized over 20,000 cannabis plants over the past 12 months.