Plant on a grand scale

Trio harvested cannabis worth 450,000 euros

Around 1000 plants are said to have been harvested on two occasions

(Bild: EPA)

The three suspects are alleged to have operated a large-scale cannabis plant in the Waldviertel region. The street value was 450,000 euros. Two men were arrested and the third accomplice is being sought. 

Because officers from the Schwarzenau police station noticed the smell of cannabis in the municipal area of Göpfritz an der Wild in the district of Zwettl (Lower Austria), an investigation was launched. There was suspicion of illegal cultivation of cannabis plants. During a house search, 956 cannabis plants and 150 grams of dried cannabis flowers were later seized. Street value: 450,000 euros. According to the police, around 1000 plants were probably harvested at least twice. 

Manhunt for third accomplice
A 41-year-old was arrested on the spot during the house search, his accomplice (40) in Vienna-Floridsdorf. Both are in custody. A further suspect (29) is being sought. 

Electricity meter bypassed
The cannabis plant is believed to have been in operation from March to November 2023. The electricity meter was also bypassed by the three accused Serbian nationals. The grid operator suffered damage in the low five-digit euro range.