Authorities in Kalgoorlie-Boulder, Western Australia, have confiscated over 350 cannabis plants from a residence in Somerville.
A 53-year-old man, identified as Robert Lee Wills, has been released on bail after appearing in court to face two charges linked to the cannabis operation.
Wills is scheduled to return to the Kalgoorlie Magistrate’s Court on May 25.
The police allege that Wills had transformed his property into a site for hydroponic cannabis cultivation. He was detained on Tuesday night and subsequently faced legal proceedings the following day.
The two charges against him include cultivating a plant with the intention to sell or supply, and possession of prohibited drugs with a similar intent.
Residents in the typically tranquil suburb of Somerville, located approximately 600 kilometers east of Perth, were taken aback on Tuesday evening when police executed a drug-related search warrant around 8:35 PM.
For nearly 24 hours, a team of about a dozen individuals, including detectives and forensic experts, remained at the property to gather and document evidence.
A sizable greenhouse situated in the backyard was visible from the street, and police claimed that several rooms within the house had also been adapted for hydroponic cannabis production.
According to law enforcement, the operation resulted in the discovery and seizure of more than 350 cannabis plants along with over half a kilogram of cannabis material, which they described as a “significant drug seizure.”
Additionally, WA Police noted that Western Power was called to the scene after it was discovered that the property’s electrical supply had allegedly been illegally tampered with.
“Several electrical hazards needed to be addressed for officers to safely enter and conduct their search,” stated WA Police in an official announcement.
Wills did not enter any pleas regarding the charges and was granted bail under a personal undertaking of $10,000.
He is expected to appear in court again on May 25. When questioned about the possibility of additional charges, WA Police indicated that the investigation is still active.
