Charges laid after more than $4 million worth of cannabis seized

Two men have been charged after police allegedly found more than $4 million worth of cannabis across multiple properties in the Hunter Valley,

Police have seized and destroyed more than 1400 cannabis plants as part of Operation Cages, which was set up after officers searched a Cessnock property on July 21.

At the Cessnock home, officers allegedly found an elaborate hydroponic cannabis cultivation setup and seized a total of 260 mature cannabis plants.

They also took cannabis seedlings, dried cannabis and hydroponic equipment.

After further inquiries, on Tuesday September 29 police executed two crime scene warrants in Cessnock and Denman.

During the search at Denman, police seized 280 cannabis plants and found the premises to be illegally connected to the power grid.

Two men, one 36 and one 56, were arrested and taken to Cessnock and Muswellbrook police stations.

The 36-year-old man was charged with five offences including organises/conducts/assists drug premises, cultivate prohibited plant (grater than or equal to commercial quantity), and enhanced indoor cultivate cannabis for commercial purpose.

He was also charged with divert/use electricity for generating etc system without authorisation and found on/entering/leaving drug premises.

The 56-year-old man was charged with three offences including cultivate prohibited plant (greater than or equal to commercial quantity), enhanced indoor cultivate cannabis for commercial purpose and found on/entering/leaving drug premises.

Both men were refused bail to appear before Bail Division Court 2 on Wednesday September 30 where they were formally refused bail to appear before Newcastle Local Court on November 25.

Officers also executed three search warrants Thursday October 1 in Muswellbrook and Singleton Heights.

Police allegedly found 925 cannabis plants were allegedly found and all three homes were found to be illegally connected to the power grid.

Inquiries are ongoing under Operation Cages.