Police are in the process of dismantling a hidden hydroponic cannabis crop at a house in Barrack Heights.
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The Loftus Drive home was raided on Thursday, after police allegedly uncovered a separate crop at a home at Lawrence Avenue, Mount Warrigal, on Wednesday.
Lake Illawarra Police District Sergeant Matt Brophy said police pulled 158 plants from the Mount Warrigal address.
“It appears that the entire house had been set up for a sophisticated hydroponic growing system,” he said.
A man, Quang Trung Bui, was last night charged in relation to Wednesday’s raid.
He did not apply for bail at Wollongong Local Court this morning.
Police will allege the electricity supply at both addresses had been diverted, sparing those behind the operation the cost of powering it.
Police have seized more than 100 plants from the Barrack Heights address.
Update, 4.30pm: Police have seized a total of 117 plants in today’s raid.
The plants are of varying size and maturity. With mature plants valued at $5000 and seedlings worth $2000, the crop has an estimated street value of about $350,000.
No one was at the property when police swooped. An investigation is ongoing.
Contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 to provide information that could assist police.