$80 Million Cannabis Syndicate Bust: NSW Police Dismantle International Crime Network

In November 2024, New South Wales Police delivered a significant blow to organized crime with the dismantling of a transnational cannabis syndicate. Under Strike Force Heradale, an 11-month investigation led to the seizure of over $80 million worth of cannabis, the arrest of 19 individuals, and the disruption of one of Australia’s most sophisticated illegal cannabis cultivation operations.

This comprehensive effort sheds light on the extent of organized crime in NSW and the challenges law enforcement faces in combating the illegal cannabis trade.

Strike Force Heradale: Inside the Operation

Launched in December 2023, Strike Force Heradale targeted a transnational network responsible for cultivating, packaging, and distributing cannabis on an industrial scale. The syndicate’s operations spanned across Sydney’s south-west and the Illawarra region, involving multiple properties equipped with sophisticated hydroponic systems.

Authorities discovered that the syndicate relied on workers recruited from overseas, particularly Vietnam, to manage their operations. This global connection highlighted the international nature of the cannabis syndicate bust and the resources required to dismantle it.

Key Cannabis Raids Across NSW

The investigation culminated in a series of high-profile cannabis raids in Australia, with each location revealing the massive scale of the operation.

April 2024: Kemps Creek Greenhouses

The first major breakthrough occurred in Kemps Creek, Western Sydney. Police discovered 16 purpose-built greenhouses containing over 4,400 cannabis plants, valued at millions of dollars. Three individuals were arrested during this raid, marking the first significant step in the syndicate’s takedown.

May 2024: Calderwood Harvest Seizure

In Calderwood, Shellharbour, officers raided a property and seized 366 kilograms of harvested cannabis. This raid was pivotal in exposing the syndicate’s expansive distribution network. Ten individuals were arrested, emphasizing the group’s reliance on large-scale manpower.

June and October 2024: Bringelly Raids

In Bringelly, Greater Western Sydney, police uncovered 6,500 cannabis plants in June. Astonishingly, just months later in October, police returned to find the operation had resumed. This second raid led to the seizure of 7,472 cannabis plants, valued at $22 million.

September 2024: Rossmore Discovery

Another critical raid occurred in Rossmore, Western Sydney, where officers confiscated 4,000 cannabis plants. Three individuals were arrested, further dismantling the syndicate’s operations.

Cannabis Syndicate Bust: The Final Tally

The combined efforts of Strike Force Heradale resulted in the following:

• 23,000 cannabis plants seized.
• Over 500 kilograms of harvested cannabis confiscated.
• A total street value exceeding $80 million.
• 19 arrests, with individuals aged between 28 and 64 charged with offenses including illegal cannabis cultivation, supply of prohibited substances, and participation in a criminal group.

All suspects were denied bail and are facing ongoing court proceedings.

Sophistication and Global Ties in Organized Crime

Detective Superintendent John Watson emphasized the complexity of the syndicate’s operations, describing their reliance on international recruitment and advanced farming techniques.

“This wasn’t just a local operation—it was a highly organized network with international ties,” Watson said. “The scale of their illegal cannabis cultivation is something we’ve rarely seen in Australia.”

The recruitment of overseas workers, particularly from Vietnam, underscores the transnational nature of this cannabis syndicate bust and highlights the broader challenges of combating organized crime in NSW.

Impact of the Cannabis Raids on NSW

The success of Strike Force Heradale is a significant win for law enforcement, not only in reducing the availability of illicit cannabis but also in disrupting the financial power of organized crime. By removing millions of dollars’ worth of cannabis from circulation, police have dealt a serious blow to the syndicate’s operations.

This operation also underscores the importance of continued public cooperation. Authorities urge residents to report suspicious activities, such as unusual behavior at rural properties or unexplained high energy usage—both potential indicators of illegal cannabis cultivation.

What This Means for the Cannabis Industry

The scale of this cannabis syndicate bust highlights the ongoing demand for illicit cannabis in Australia. With recreational cannabis still illegal in most states, the black market continues to thrive.

However, operations like Strike Force Heradale reveal how law enforcement is adapting to new challenges, targeting not just local growers but also international networks driving the trade.

As debates around cannabis legalization gain traction, addressing the demand for regulated products could play a role in reducing the profitability of illegal cannabis cultivation.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Strike Force Heradale?

Strike Force Heradale is an NSW Police operation aimed at dismantling a transnational crime syndicate involved in large-scale cannabis cultivation and distribution.

2. How many people were arrested in the operation?

The operation led to the arrest of 19 individuals charged with offenses including drug cultivation, supply of prohibited substances, and participation in a criminal group.

3. What was the total value of the cannabis seized?

Police seized over $80 million worth of cannabis, including 23,000 plants and 500 kilograms of harvested product.

4. How significant was the role of international connections?

The syndicate recruited workers from overseas, particularly Vietnam, to manage their operations, highlighting the transnational scope of the operation.

5. How can the public assist in preventing illegal cannabis cultivation?

Authorities encourage reporting of suspicious activities, such as high energy usage or unusual activity on rural properties, to Crime Stoppers.

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Acknowledgment

This blog draws from Kelly Fuller and published by ABC News Australia. Special thanks to the original coverage by ABC News Staff for providing detailed insights into the case.