Police have dismantled an alleged hydroponic cannabis cultivation operation in the Lithgow area of New South Wales, seizing more than 120 cannabis plants, harvested plants and approximately 30 kilograms of dried cannabis leaf during a search of a residential property.
Officers from the Western Region Enforcement Squad began investigating suspected cannabis cultivation in the Chifley Police District in June 2026 following information about possible illegal drug activity in the area.
As part of the investigation, police executed a search warrant at a property on Lemnos Street, Littleton, near Lithgow, at approximately 9.30am on Thursday, 16 July 2026. The search uncovered a large-scale indoor growing setup spread across multiple rooms of the house.
During the operation, police located and seized 124 cannabis plants, along with 100 harvested cannabis plants and around 30 kilograms of dried cannabis leaf. Authorities estimated the total street value of the seized cannabis to be more than $200,000.
Police also seized a significant amount of equipment believed to have been used for cannabis cultivation. The equipment included items commonly associated with indoor hydroponic growing operations, indicating the property had been modified to support plant production.
The investigation remains ongoing, with detectives continuing inquiries to determine those responsible and gather further information about the alleged cultivation operation.
Western Region Operations Inspector Carl Middelton said community information plays an important role in helping police identify suspected drug-related properties. He encouraged residents to report suspicious activity that may indicate illegal drug production.
Inspector Middelton said warning signs could include unusual smells coming from a property, excessive electricity usage, covered windows, strange chemical containers, unusual waste, hoses or pipes in unexpected locations, and frequent vehicle movements at unusual times.
Police said members of the public are often valuable sources of intelligence because they may notice changes in neighbourhood activity that are not immediately visible to authorities. Community reports can assist investigators in identifying locations where illegal drug operations may be occurring.
Cannabis cultivation operations can create safety risks, particularly when indoor growing equipment involves electrical modifications, high-powered lighting, chemicals and altered household systems. Police regularly warn that illegal drug production can place nearby residents and properties at risk.
The seizure forms part of ongoing efforts by NSW Police to target the production and distribution of prohibited drugs across regional communities. Enforcement teams continue conducting investigations and search operations aimed at reducing the supply of illicit substances.
Authorities have encouraged anyone with information about suspected drug activity to contact police or Crime Stoppers. Information provided by community members can assist investigations and help prevent further illegal operations.
The Lithgow investigation highlights the continued focus by law enforcement agencies on disrupting organised cannabis cultivation networks and removing large quantities of illicit drugs from circulation.
