Police have seized 331 cannabis plants from a home in Wallsend, near Newcastle, in a drug bust allegedly linked to a Sydney-based Asian crime syndicate. The raid occurred on Irving Street after police received a tip-off, uncovering a sophisticated hydroponic setup.
Detective Inspector Peter Mahon stated that the house was purchased last year as a normal residence but had been converted into a drug house. He noted that only one room, containing a mattress on the floor, remained untouched, indicating the property was solely used for cannabis cultivation.
Neighbors expressed shock at the operation. Edison Walker described hearing loud noises and seeing police activity, including officers breaking through a roller door. The raid resulted in the arrest of three men: Baoti Ricky Nguyen, Cong Truong Nguyen, and Ngoc Vu Ha.
The trio has been charged with cultivating a commercial quantity of cannabis. They were refused bail in Newcastle Local Court and are scheduled to reappear on June 27 with the assistance of Vietnamese translators. Police anticipate further raids on similar properties in the Newcastle area.
