Police make eighth arrest in investigation running since 2015

Charged drug trafficking

An investigation that began in 2015 has seen its final charges laid following the release of a 34-year-old from a NSW prison.

Operation Armscote began in 2015 and was a complex investigation into a highly sophisticated cannabis grow house syndicate operating within the ACT. During the investigation approximately 1220 cannabis plants were seized following the execution of 14 search warrants across the ACT.

Seven people were charged with cultivate controlled plant and other criminal group offences. Those matters have all been finalised.

One arrest warrant remained in place for a 34-year-old Vietnamese national who investigators linked to the criminal syndicate.

On 15 May 2023, ACT Policing members with the assistance of NSW Police, commenced extradition proceedings for this man following his apprehension in January 2022 for similar offences in NSW. The man was scheduled to be released from a NSW prison following a period of incarceration relating to the NSW offences.

On 19 May 2023, his extradition to the ACT was granted.

The man is scheduled to appear in the ACT Magistrates Court today (Saturday, 20 May 2023) where he will be formally charged with three counts of cultivate a trafficable quantity of cannabis and three counts of cultivate a commercial quantity of cannabis. Bail will be opposed.

Anyone with information regarding the commercial cultivation of cannabis in the ACT is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or on the Crime Stoppers ACT website. Information can be provided anonymously. 

MEDIA ENQUIRIES 

POLICE MEDIA — (02) 5126 9070, act-police-media@afp.gov.au 

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