An emergency response to a downed power line in Melbourne led to the discovery of a cannabis “crop house” containing nearly a quarter of a million dollars' worth of drugs. The incident occurred in mid-March when a tree fell onto electricity lines at a property on Batesford Rd in Malvern East. When the energy company responded to the power outage, they noticed an electricity bypass at a nearby rental property. This led to a police investigation, which uncovered 90 cannabis plants at the location, including 39 that were ready to harvest, while the remaining 51 were at different stages of growth.
Victoria Police confirmed that the rental property was unoccupied at the time, and no arrests have been made as of now. Investigations are ongoing, with authorities working to uncover the scale of the operation and identify those involved. The timely intervention to seize the cannabis plants before they were harvested and distributed is seen as a significant effort in preventing further harm.
Ishac, a representative from Victoria Police, explained the importance of community involvement in addressing such illegal activities. “Crop houses can often go undetected, so the information that the community provides is invaluable,” Ishac said. This statement emphasizes the vital role that residents play in helping authorities identify and dismantle illicit operations before they escalate.
Victoria Police also shared several key signs that may indicate a property is being used as a crop house. These include blacked-out windows or closed blinds, unusual external wiring or cables, and infrequent or suspicious activity by occupants, particularly at odd hours. Recognizing these signs can help members of the community report suspicious properties to authorities before illegal activities are carried out.
The police urge residents who suspect a property may be a crop house to report their concerns to Crime Stoppers. By doing so, they can contribute to the fight against illegal drug production and distribution in their neighborhoods.
The investigation into this particular case is ongoing as Victoria Police works to dismantle the illicit operation and bring those responsible to justice. The discovery serves as a reminder of the importance of public vigilance in maintaining safe and law-abiding communities.