Police uncovered more than 3000 cannabis plants at a Virginia property on Saturday. PHOTO: Supplied
POLICE have arrested three men and uncovered more than 3000 cannabis plants during a drug bust at Virginia on Saturday morning.
Just after 9am, northern district police attended a Penfield Road address after receiving a phone call from a member of the public indicating cannabis plants were allegedly growing on the property.
When patrols arrived, three people ran from the scene, causing police to set up cordons while police dogs Ben and Zeus were called in to assist with the search.
Three men, a 53-year-old, 25-year-old and a 26-year-old were located nearby and arrested.
Police searched the property and located more than 3000 plants growing in pots inside a series of greenhouses, as well as a “large amount” of dried cannabis.
The crop varied in size from seedlings to mature plants, with the street value of the busted drugs still being quantified by police.
The three men located at the scene were later charged with cultivating a large commercial quantity of a controlled plant and drug trafficking and appeared in court on Monday.
Northern district police detective chief inspector Darren Fielke said it was a “significant find”.
“Clearly we’re always looking for this type of activity, but it is a significant find in this area,” he said.
“We wouldn’t have had a find of this size for some time. Given the size and scale of the operation it appears to have been going on for some time.
“At this point in time we believe we’ve arrested all the people involved.
Detective chief inspector Fielke added although it was early in the investigation, police believed they had made a “significant dent” in the Adelaide cannabis trade.
“We’re very much on a main road and we’re surrounded by other agricultural properties and domestic premises, so you could say it was hiding in plain sight,” he said.
“Again it’s a bit early to tell. But given the number of plants we’ve located, I would say it’s made a significant dent in cannabis supply going forward.”
Police are urging anyone with further information which could assist their investigation to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report on line at www.crimestopperssa.com.au.
You can remain anonymous.
