Major drug arrest in Melbourne, Highett factory after report

It may look like any other building on an industrial street in suburban Melbourne, but this red brick factory holds a big secret.

On Friday morning, following a community report, Victorian police raided a commercial property on Vannan Street in Hyatt where they discovered a “complicated” hydroponic setup.

From there, they seized 1,200 cannabis plants worth about $3 million, which weighed “nearly a ton”.

Two men, a 57-year-old and a 35-year-old with no specific address, were arrested at the factory and taken to Caulfield Police Station for questioning.

Both were subsequently charged with growing large commercial quantities of cannabis and appeared in Melbourne Magistrates Court on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Caulfield Response Detectives arrested a 29-year-old man from Elsternwick after executing a search warrant on a house on Glen Huntley Road in Elsterwick on Tuesday.

After a search on the spot, police allegedly found methylamphetamine, cocaine, MDMA and hallucinogens, as well as firearm parts.

The man was charged with dealing illegal substances and possessing an unregistered firearm.

He was released on bail to appear before the Murabbin Magistrates’ Court the following March.

Between the two incidents, police allegedly seized nearly a ton of cannabis plants, 50 grams of what is believed to be cocaine with a retail value of US$17,500, about 500 alleged MDMA tablets valued at US$15,000, and 60 grams of street-priced methamphetamine. cost $12,000.

They also found 150 grams of the alleged hallucinogen, drug-making items, a stun gun, firearm parts, ammunition, and money.

Caulfield Response Chief Response Sergeant David Quirk said community leads play a “critical” role in any investigation.

“If you notice or hear any suspicious behavior such as closing or darkening windows, strong plant smells, and unusual or foot traffic, call the police,” Sergeant Quirk said.

“Instead of lining the pockets of would-be criminals, over $3 million worth of drugs are on their way to one-way destruction.

“This week’s results should serve as a sobering reminder to any dealer who thinks they’re invincible: sooner or later, we’re going to knock on your door and you could face several years in jail.”

Originally published as Police allegedly found a huge shipment of cannabis at a factory in Melbourne, two were arrested