In particular, the community is being urged to dob in a potential grower in the areas surrounding Tumut, Adelong, Wondalga, Batlow, Laurel Hill, Willigobung, Tumbarumba, Rosewood, Grahamestown, Tumblong, Khancoban and Talbingo and the associated State Forests nearby.

Detective Inspector Stephen Radford, from Riverina Police District, warns cannabis growers do have many detrimental impacts on local communities. 

“Cannabis plantations cause significant environmental damage in our National Parks and State Forests, not to mention the social harm cannabis use can cause in our local communities,” said the detective inspector.

“If left unchecked cannabis plantation growers can also attract organised crime into our small communities, affecting our crime rates and community amenity.”

To keep the community especially vigilant, the Riverina Police District is also circulating its potential warning signs to be wary of. 

Potential indicators include noticing neighbours living beyond their means especially during the March to May cannabis harvest time. 

In addition, potentially nefarious people may also exhibit a reluctance to socialise, general secretiveness, and the hosting of visitors at unsociable hours.

Police have asked the community to be on the lookout for water pipes, pumps, water containers, potting mix, gardening equipment, fertiliser bags, and seeding containers travelling into State Forests, particularly around Green Hills and Bago.

Detective Inspector Radford has warned the community not to be too quick to dismiss consistent rumours heard over a long period of time. 

Especially if neighbours have been seen spending an excessive amount of time in rural sheds or may be operating a ‘crop sitter’ site – small huts with nearby water facilities.

Additionally, a strong, sticky sweet odour is common in areas where cannabis is drying and there may be growing compound bags routinely deposited in rubbish bins.

For indoor cultivations, homes will often use fluorescent light during the day and night. There may also be condensation on windows, and a constant sound of buzzing from ventilation systems.

Homes used for cannabis cultivation often also have excessively high power bills.

“With many recreational hunters, bushwalkers, forestry workers, mountain bike riders, farmers, and National Parks Officers out in these remote areas - we are asking you to let us know what you see and hear,” Detective Inspector Radford said.

“It may be evidence of an old site, but these people are creatures of habit so their next one may not be far away.

“People are asked to simply notify the police and only when it is safe to do so.”

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.