TEN men have been charged by police after a hydroponic cannabis setup was found outside Griffith on Thursday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The charges are a result of an investigation Murrumbidgee Police District detectives began earlier in May.
Officers searched a Pilloni Road, Yoogali property at 11.20am, and discovered the "sophisticated" hydroponic setup across a number of rooms inside a shed.
Police seized 41 kilograms of cannabis leaf, 36 plants of varying ages and five firearms.
The value of the cannabis is estimated at $425,000.
The 10 men arrested are aged between 23 and 62 and police will allege they were in the process of cultivating the crop.
They were charged with supplying a commercial quantity, enhanced indoor cultivation plant for commercial purpose, possessing a prohibited drug and participating in a criminal group.
In other news
A 62-year-old man was also charged with knowingly directing a criminal group and with owner/occupier knowingly allow use as drug premises.
Police will also allege the men were involved in the commercial cultivation of cannabis.
The charges against all 10 men were mentioned briefly in the Wagga Local Court on Friday. All charges were adjourned to Griffith Local Court on July 22.
The men, Guiseppe Catanzariti, 23, Antonio Sergi, 35, Adam Mason, 35, Dominico Sergi, 35, Patrick Sergi, 49, Pasquale Sergi, 55, Patrick Sergi, 50, Michael Catanzariti, 56, Pasquale Romeo, 57, and Antonio Catanzariti, 62, were all refused bail.
Police inquiries are continuing and anyone with further information can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
