POLICE raided a number of properties across the Peel region last night in a million dollar drug sting which resulted in seven people charged.
It is believed police raided the premises and found “elaborate hydroponic set ups” including sheds apparently filled with marijuana plants for regular harvests.
It will be alleged four cannabis growing operations were located with all four locations involving set ups where unauthorised electricity modifications had been made to bypass detection.
Western Power was required to render the areas safe for police to continue.
In total 166 cannabis plants were located and eight licensed firearms seized pending further investigation.
A number of assets have been frozen pending the outcome of the investigation and court proceedings, with assets including properties in Ravenswood, Lake Clifton, Wannanup and Erskine.
Other assets frozen include a boat, shares, bank accounts, vehicles and a business interest in a hotel.
While inquiries are ongoing and not all items have been valued, the frozen assets are estimated to be worth about $1.5million.
A 52-year-old man from Erskine has been charged with three counts of cultivate a prohibited plant with intent to sell or supply, three counts of fraudulent appropriation of power and one charge of possession.
A 44-year-old man from Gingin has been charged with a number of offences including two counts of cultivate a prohibited plant with intent to sell or supply and fraudulent appropriation of power.
A 56-year-old woman from Wannanup and a 33-year-old woman from Gingin have each been charged with one count each of cultivate a prohibited plant with intent to sell or supply and fraudulent appropriation of power.
The Wannanup resident was also charged with possessing a prohibited drug.
A 32-year-old man from North Yunderup has been charged with Possess a Prohibited Drug, Possess a Smoking Utensil, and Conspiracy to Commit Indictable Offence.
The five are all due to appear in the Mandurah Magistrates Court on Tuesday, October 30.
A 32-year-old man from Mandurah will be charged by summons for cultivating a prohibited drug in relation to the matter.
A 48-year-old man from Myaree will also be charged by summons.
The operation was a joint initiative involving detectives from the Serious and Organised Crime Division, Mandurah Detectives, Gingin Police, Licensing Enforcement Division, Dog Squad, Police Air Wing and Forensic officers.
