In a significant law enforcement operation, police have dismantled an alleged cannabis farm situated in a dense forest area of Niemur, located roughly 80 kilometers northwest of Deniliquin, New South Wales. The operation was initiated following aerial surveillance that detected the large-scale cultivation of approximately five thousand cannabis plants valued at an estimated $10 million. The plants, which were reportedly camouflaged within the foliage of the forest, posed challenges for detection, as highlighted by Murray River Police Detective Chief Inspector Mick Fuller, who noted the efforts made by individuals to conceal their activities in rural areas.

As part of the operation, police catalogued and photographed the seized plants before proceeding to destroy them in collaboration with the Rural Fire Service. The destruction of the plants was carried out on-site, affirming the commitment of law enforcement to combat illegal drug production in the region. Moreover, four individuals — two men in their 40s and two women in their 60s — were arrested during the raid and are now facing charges in connection with the large-scale drug operation. The incident underscores the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in monitoring and dismantling similar illegal activities in rural settings.

This significant seizure highlights the persistent issue of cannabis cultivation in Australia, particularly within remote and less surveilled areas. As authorities ramp up their efforts to combat the illegal drug trade, this operation could serve as a warning to those involved in such illicit activities, demonstrating that police resources and technology, such as aerial surveillance, will continue to be employed to disrupt and dismantle organized drug farming ventures. Local communities may also feel the impact, as seizures like this could influence the dynamics of crime and safety in rural areas.