Ten people were arrested following major drug raids in Katoomba and Leura on Wednesday, February 5.
Police seized 310 cannabis plants and four kilograms of cannabis after searching five properties in simultaneous raids at 7am. The drugs had an estimated potential street value of more than $470,000 .Police also seized other prohibited drugs believed to be methylamphetamine, cocaine, heroin, as well as cash.
Eight men - aged 36, 46, 33, 43, 24, 54, 25 and 42 and two women - aged 51 and 25 - were arrested at the homes and taken to Katoomba Police Station where they were subsequently charged with a total of 72 offences.
Five men were refused bail to appear before Katoomba Local Court on Wednesday, February 5. Two women and the other three men were refused bail to appear at Mt Druitt Local Court on Thursday, February 6.
Assistant Commissioner Denis Clifford, North West Metro Region Commander, said yesterday's raids and arrests were the result of a lot of hard work and dedication.
"Yesterday's results show the commitment by the North West Region Enforcement Squad, and the NSW Police Force as a whole, to target the supply of prohibited drugs.
"Strike Force Elrond commenced after receiving information from the public, and these results are proof we are committed to reducing the supply of illegal drugs in the community," he said.
"We take information provided to us very seriously and encourage the community to continue to come forward, so as we can continue the endeavour to make your area safer.
"People can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000," Assistant Commissioner Clifford said.