Seven Geraldton properties raided at weekend in operation targeting Vietnamese criminal networks and cannabis grow-houses

Seven properties were raided in Geraldton at the weekend as part of a major police operation targeting Vietnamese established criminal networks and cannabis grow-houses in WA. Members of the Organised Crime Squad and Geraldton detectives executed search warrants at four properties in Rangeway, along with properties in Narngulu, Geraldton and Bootenal. Police allegedly seized 138 cannabis plants at a property in Petchell Street and 127 plants from a property in Hardman Street. Police allege both properties were being used as grow houses. Two Rangeway men and a Victoria Park woman have since been charged with drug and other offences. The Geraldton raids came on the back of raids in Rockingham, Secret Harbour and Queens Park, where cannabis, hydroponic equipment and cash was allegedly seized. On May 8, Organised Crime Squad detectives allegedly stopped a car in Rockingham and uncovered seven sealed drums containing bagged cannabis head material. A Queens Park man and a Rockingham man are facing multiple charges in relation to the seizures in Rockingham and Queens Park. Organised Crime Squad officer-in-charge, Detective Senior Sergeant Ray Horne, warned that Vietnamese criminal networks operating in Western Australia were continuing to target residential rental properties, leaving significant damage for landlords to repair. “In many cases property owners who self-advertise their properties online are targeted, usually by offenders who pose as a family group and who request that inspections not be undertaken for various reasons,” he said. “Property owners should stand firm and ensure they have steps in place for them to protect their investment properties. “The destruction caused to properties through the establishment of a cannabis grow house is extensive and at times involve significant remediation works. “The damage, which is common to include illegal modifications to the power supply, can also be dangerous – even life-threatening.” Det Sen. Sgt Horne said in many cases when police had spoken to neighbours who had been aware of suspicious behaviour. “Observations including people coming and going at all times of the day and night for short periods of time, or people attending the property not wanting to engage with neighbours or be seen and identified,” he said. “Where suspicions are held, neighbours should report them to Crime Stoppers. “Early detection of houses being used to grow cannabis will not only help in the arrest of the offenders, but may also help minimise the extent of damage left behind for the property owners to deal with.” Det Sen. Sgt Horne said ongoing investigations were exploring possible links between members of an established criminal network and the discovery and seizure of cannabis plants in Red Gully in October 2019. Anyone with information regarding the location of cannabis grow houses, or other cultivation of cannabis, can call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report the information online at www.crimestopperswa.com.au.

Seven Geraldton properties raided at weekend in operation targeting Vietnamese criminal networks and cannabis grow-houses

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