Warrenheip $250,000 drug bust

POLICE have seized more than $250,000 worth of cannabis and growing equipment in what they described as the biggest drug bust in Ballarat in the past year.Police arrested two men aged in their 60s who have been charged with a range of offences including cultivating and trafficking a drug of dependence.The men have been bailed to appear in the Ballarat Magistrates Court in March.Six officers from the Ballarat Divisional Response Unit raided a Warrenheip property at about 1pm on Friday, seizing two truckloads of drugs and equipment.Senior Constable Kori Fraser said the arrests were part of an ongoing investigation by the BDRU.“We seized a substantial amount of electronic hydroponics equipment, converters, power adaptors, chemicals, $7000 in cash as well as cannabis with an estimated street value of between $150,000 and $200,000,” Senior Constable Fraser said.He estimated the seized growing equipment was valued at between $100,000 and $150,000. He said police had not seized a quantity of cannabis this size in the past 12 to 18 months. Head of the BDRU, Senior Sergeant Darren Tanis, said the arrests would have a substantial effect on the availability of marijuana. “We would hope to continue to interrupt the supply of cannabis on the Ballarat region,” Senior Sergeant Tanis said.Police also discovered that power to the premises had been diverted around the property metre box.The property owner, who was one of the two men arrested, has been charged with theft of electricity and Powercor have removed the metre box from the property.Powercor spokesman Ryan Auger said the energy provider would be taking the advice of prosecuting authorities.“We’ll continue working closely with police services and assist with any information about unlawful disconnections or indeed the amount of any stolen electricity,” Mr Auger said. “Hopefully that information will be useful in pursuing charges against these individuals.”Police found about 25 marijuana plants and hydroponics equipment inside the property double garage.A drying room was located inside the house and seedlings were found in the bathroom.“Obviously police are happy with the result, that we’ve seized this amount of cannabis before it could hit the street and can put a stop to people involved in drugs activities,” Senior Constable Fraser said.