Two men have been charged with the cultivation of illegal plants after more than $7 million worth of cannabis was seized in Calderwood in one of the biggest drug raids in the region's history.
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In May 2020, Wollongong Police District detectives started investigating the cultivation of cannabis in the Illawarra region after information was provided to them from members of the public.
Investigators, including Lake Illawarra Police District and the Rescue and Bomb Disposal Unit officers, went to a rural property on Calderwood Road, Calderwood, about 11.30am on Monday where they seized more than 2400 mature cannabis plants and more than 1300 seedlings growing in six large greenhouses and a shed on the property.
Police also located a large drying room and sleeping quarters at the site.
Two men - aged 49 and 52 - were arrested at the property and taken to Wollongong Police Station.
The total estimated potential street value of the seizure is in excess of $7.6 million.
Acting Inspector Dave Williamson said the large quantity seized was one of the biggest ever in the Illawarra.
"There were several large greenhouses set up to promote the growth of cannabis and it was a well-thought out operation," he said.
Acting Inspector Williamson said it was likely the cannabis would have ended up in rural communities and across the Illawarra.
"[Drug crime] has a massive impact on regional communities so this arrest is great," he said.
"This bust has likely put a significant dent in drug crime in the Illawarra.
"The impact on the supply will be significant.
"The fact we have arrested two people and recovered several millions of dollars worth of drugs is a testament to the good work that police and community have done."
Acting Inspector Williamson said investigations would continue to see if more people were involved in the alleged drug cultivation.
He said police knew who owned the property but he would not elaborate on whether the owner had any connection with the two men arrested.
The Acting Inspector said it was unknown how long the alleged drug operation had been running in Calderwood.
Acting Inspector Williamson thanked the public for providing information to the police.
The men were charged with cultivate prohibited plant - large commercial quantity and deal with property suspected proceeds of crime.
Police will allege in court that the men were involved in the commercial cultivation of cannabis.
They were both refused bail to appear at Wollongong Local Court on Tuesday.
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