Children ‘found in drug houses’
CHILDREN as young as five were found in houses allegedly converted into dangerous drug-growing labs after police raided seven homes across Sydney.
Police say six children were found in raids in the southwest Sydney in the last three days, with the oldest being a 15-year-old. 
In one home, a cot, toys and baby’s clothes were found in a room allegedly near a hydroponic set-up, but no babies were found.
Four children aged between five and 14 were also found in another home, according to police.
An estimated almost $5 million worth of hydroponically-grown cannabis was allegedly seized during the raids.
Police said they were “appalled†by the alleged disregard by the children’s carers.
Southwest metropolitan region commander Frank Mennilli said hydro-houses usually have faulty electrical wiring and 11 have caught fire since 2003.
“Hydro-houses pose significant risks and it appals me that anyone would allegedly have such a disregard for safety that they would jeopardise the lives of children,†Supt Mennilli said.
“We’ve gone into some of these homes where young children – one even on a ventilator - are sleeping only metres away from these alleged plants and carcinogenic contaminants.â€
Three men and three women were arrested on drugs and other charges relating to the recently introduced offences of exposing a child to carcinogenic contaminants and other risks within a hydro-houseâ€, police said.
Changes to legislation introduced to NSW in July last year means a person exposing a child to contaminants in a hydro-house can face up to 24 years’ jail.
All six children have been placed in the care of relatives.
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