A 35-year-old Murringo man has been arrested and charged after authorities recovered large quantities of cannabis plants during a property search last weekend.
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Police attended a Murringo Gap Road property at 6pm on Sunday July 23 and conducted a search during which an “elaborate hydroponic set-up” was discovered inside a shipping container.
Hydroponics systems enable marijuana to grow without soil, using water soluble fertiliser as the sole source of nutrients, and allow for mass production with the assistance of grow lights and automated watering systems.
The man was consequently arrested at the scene and taken to Young police station for questioning.
Speaking on Monday, Cootamundra LAC chief Detective Inspector Scott Wilkinson said the man would likely face additional charges when he fronts Young Local Court on September 13.
“We’re alleging that we’ve recovered 45 cannabis plants as well as equipment such as grow lights and fans,” he said.
“The man has been charged with cultivation of prohibited plants but he should be charged with enhanced indoor cultivation, which carries a far heavier penalty.”
Detective Inspector Wilkinson also used the opportunity to stress the area command’s “no tolerance” policy for unlawful firearm use after a pet cat was shot to death outside a Corringle Lane property in Taylors Flat.
“Clearly the pet cat was killed by a rifle shot and clearly it has been shot from outside the boundaries of the victim’s property,” the police chief said.
“We’d like to remind people that shooting into other people’s private property (or in public) carries serious criminal penalties … up to 14 years’ imprisonment.
“That behaviour will not be tolerated and we will come down upon people who act in that manner.”