Police have seized more than $1 million worth of cannabis plants following a series of raids across Lake Macquarie.
Officers uncovered 521 mature hydroponically cultivated cannabis plants during searches of three properties in Belmont on Monday 9th November.
The plants have an estimated potential street value of $1,042,000.
Police were initially called to a home on Brooks Parade, Belmont following reports that a hydroponic grow house had been located.
Officers attached to the Lake Macquarie Police District attended the property before launching further investigations into the suspected drug cultivation operation.
Detectives from the Lake Macquarie Criminal Investigation Unit subsequently issued search warrants at the Belmont property and two neighbouring properties. During these searches, police discovered extensive hydroponic cannabis cultivation setups, including specialized light systems and equipment believed to be used in growing the plants.
All 521 plants were seized, along with a range of cultivation equipment and the lighting systems.
Despite the significant discovery, no occupants were located at any of the properties when officers carried out the search.
Police are now working to identify those responsible for the alleged cultivation operation and establish the circumstances surrounding these three properties.
The investigation remains ongoing, with detectives continuing their inquiries into the origin of the plants and those potentially connected to the properties.
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More than $1 million in cannabis seized in Lake Macquarie raids
