A 39-year-old man has been charged with a series of serious offences following a dramatic police operation on the New South Wales Mid North Coast, where investigators allegedly uncovered a sophisticated hydroponic cannabis cultivation setup, a hidden firearm, and what authorities described as a makeshift zoo containing dozens of native and exotic reptiles.
Major Police Operation Leads to Arrest
The man had reportedly been under police surveillance since November last year, with detectives investigating allegations he was involved in drug supply activities and the unlawful possession of firearms in the Kempsey region. Following extensive investigations, officers moved to arrest the suspect at approximately 10am on Wednesday after stopping a white Toyota Hilux vehicle in Kempsey.
Property Search Reveals Unusual Findings
Police subsequently executed a search warrant at a property in the nearby locality of Collombatti, where they made a series of startling discoveries. According to police statements, the search revealed what investigators characterized as a large-scale hydroponic cannabis cultivation operation alongside a concerning collection of wildlife kept in domestic conditions.
The alleged cannabis operation included 52 hydroponic plants and approximately 11 kilograms of cannabis leaf material, which police estimate would have a street value of around $85,000. Officers also reported finding a rifle concealed within the kitchen area of the property.
Makeshift Zoo Contained Dangerous Animals
Perhaps most unusually, police allege the property contained what they described as a makeshift zoo housing numerous protected animals. The collection reportedly included:
- A 1.3 metre saltwater crocodile
- 38 snakes, including at least one cobra
- 19 lizards of various species
- Three hedgehogs
- 28 dogs
- Nine cats
All animals were safely removed from the property by authorities and placed into appropriate care facilities following the operation.
Multiple Serious Charges Laid
The 39-year-old man was taken to Kempsey Police Station where he was formally charged with multiple offences, including:
- Cultivating a prohibited plant (cannabis) on a commercial scale
- Supplying a prohibited drug (cannabis)
- Dealing in protected animals without appropriate authorization
- Multiple firearms offences related to unlawful possession
The man was refused bail and is scheduled to appear at Bail Division Local Court 1 on Thursday to face these charges. The case highlights ongoing police efforts to combat both drug-related crime and wildlife trafficking in regional New South Wales communities.
