It follows on from last month’s discovery of a rural property on Black Range Rd, just south of Bega, which was being used to cultivate a significant quantity of hydroponic cannabis.

Police from the Far South Coast Local Area Command, the Marine Area Command and the Traffic and Highway Patrol on trail bikes executed a number of search warrants on rural properties and residential premises last week as part of an ongoing operation targeting the cultivation and supplying of prohibited drugs.

Detective Sergeant Justin Marks said a total of nine search warrants were executed at Eden, Wyndham, Candelo, Bega, Tathra and Millingandi.  

Police seized a total of 189 cannabis plants and over 2.9kg of dried cannabis leaf.

Police also seized two unregistered firearms and a substantial amount of cannabis seeds from various residential premises searched that week.

A substantial amount of Australian currency was also seized and police are currently making inquiries relating to this being from the proceeds of crime and from the sale of prohibited drugs.

Police also searched various Crown Land properties around the Bega Valley Shire and located in excess of 50 mature cannabis plants scattered through several national parks.

Investigations are continuing and police are expecting to charge a number of individuals for cultivating prohibited plants, possessing and supplying prohibited drugs (cannabis) and being in possession of unregistered firearms.

Police estimate the total seizure of the prohibited plants and drugs has an estimated street value of half a million dollars.

Police are asking if anyone has any information in relation to the supplying of prohibited drugs that they contact their local police station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.