Police seize cannabis and charge alleged syndicate ringleader

A tip-off about suspicious behaviour led police to begin investigating the alleged crime syndicate in June.

And, while searching the garage of a Taylors Hill home, officers found the alleged cannabis trafficker had drilled through the concrete floor to access power from the electricity substation next door.

The 47-year-old Albanian man, living in Taylors Hills, and one of his alleged "crop-sitters" were charged with cultivating and trafficking a large commercial quantity of drugs after police seized more than a tonne of cannabis.

The alleged ringleader was also charged with possessing the proceeds of crime.

"These alleged grow houses were sophisticated set ups, and as a result of this operation, a tonne of illicit cannabis is now on a one-way ticket to being destroyed," Detective Acting Inspector Leigh Howse said.

Police searched houses in Taylors Hill, Greenvale, Taylors Lakes, Deer Park and Rockbank.

They seized around $200,000 in cash, more than 260 cannabis plants from the Taylors Lakes house, more than 185 cannabis plants from the Deer Park address, almost 200 plants from the Rockbank property and 100 plants from Greenvale.

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Police found another 180 plants in Keilor East on August 23.

The 47-year-old Taylor Hill man and 44-year-old Deer Park woman will appear at Melbourne Magistrates' Court on 8 January, 2024

Police said the investigation remains ongoing.

Anyone with information about organised criminal or illicit drug activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au