You fools, it was the dog!

[Innocent criminal]

Hydro drug crop raided

 

Andrew MacDonald

Gold Coast news

 

March 14th, 2009

 

ALMOST 100 cannabis plants, an elaborate hydroponic set-up, a shipping container and a guard dog were found during a raid at Molendinar yesterday.

 

Detectives from the Surfers Paradise criminal investigation branch descended on an industrial complex in Export Drive as a search warrant was executed in the early morning.

 

Once inside the unit, they allegedly discovered a marijuana growing factory complete with fans, lights, chemicals and dozens of cannabis plants.

 

A young dog, possibly a staffordshire terrier, and a large water tank were also found in the unit.

 

Police said 24 mature plants and 70 seedlings were allegedly growing in an enclosed mezzanine within the facility.

 

The structure had been kitted out with growing lights and was ventilated to ensure the pungent smell of the plants did not raise the suspicions of neighbouring businesses.

 

Police also discovered a plastic-lined shipping container which they suspect was either being modified to produce drugs or had been used to do so in the past.

 

The current tenants are understood to have only used the unit for a few months.

 

Police took no chances with their haul as forensic investigators went through the facility with a fine-toothed comb.

 

Investigators dusted hydroponic equipment for fingerprints, swabbed for DNA and photographed evidence.

 

Neighbouring business owners declined to comment.

 

Shortly after executing the warrant, police arrested a 28-year-old Arundel man.

 

He was charged with producing a dangerous drug, supplying a dangerous drug and possessing something used in the commission of crimes.

 

He is expected to appear in Southport Magistrates Court on March 24.

 

Amazingly I can't pick too many holes in this article it doesn't run off into the usual spin

 

THC