Man charged after police allege $2.2m hydroponic cannabis crop found in New Lambton warehouse

newy.com.au – A 51-year-old man is expected to face court on Friday 27 February 2026 after police allegedly discovered more than 1,100 cannabis plants inside a warehouse in New Lambton on Thursday afternoon.

Police said the seizure was linked to an ongoing investigation and involved specialist squads, with officers alleging the operation included a hydroponic cultivation set-up and the unauthorised diversion or use of electricity.

About 1.45pm on Thursday 26 February 2026, police attended a warehouse on Newton Street, New Lambton, to execute a search warrant.

Officers attached to the Hunter Region Enforcement Squad and the Northern Operations Support Group allegedly located a large hydroponic cannabis set-up inside the building.

Police alleged a total of 1,118 cannabis plants were located and seized during the search, with an estimated potential street value of $2,236,000.

A man was arrested at the scene and taken to Waratah Police Station, where he was charged with knowingly taking part in the cultivation of a prohibited plant of a large commercial quantity, diverting or using electricity for a generating system without authority, and dealing with property suspected of being proceeds of crime (less than $100,000).

He was refused bail and is listed to appear before Bail Division Court 2 on Friday.