Three men charged over alleged murder at ‘cannabis cultivation farm’

NSW Police were investigating a criminal syndicate involved in making and supplying drugs across the state in 2021.

During this investigation, officers uncovered the disappearance and suspected murder of then 24-year-old ‘Jacky’ Chong Kai Wong, a Malaysian National visiting Australia for a holiday.

Police carried out a search warrant at a rural property in Killongbutta, north-west of Bathurst, yesterday which they allege was used as a cannabis cultivation farm.

“It looks like a commercial quantity of cannabis anything of up to 500 to 1000 plants… there is evidence some cultivation had been taking place in Killongbutta,” Detective Superintendent John Watson said.

Detective Superintendent Watson said officers are “convinced the murder took place at the property”.

“It is alleged it was a brutal murder that took place in Killongbutta,” he said.

“The circumstances of his death are particularly gruesome, and officers remain at the Killongbutta property today in search of his body and to locate any further forensic evidence.”

Police are expected to continue a ground search at the property for “quite a duration”.

Three men, aged 22, 28 and 33 have been arrested and charged by police in the past week following search warrants in western Sydney properties.

Police will allege in court all three men were involved in the murder of Mr Wong in Killongbutta between December 25, 2020 and January 8, 2021.

Detective Superintendent Watson said Mr Wong was involved in organised crime at the time of his death.

“We know he was a caretaker and person responsible for the cultivating of cannabis acting with others involved in that criminal syndicate,” he said.

Detective Superintendent Watson also alleged the suspected murder was over “finance and money”.

“It appears there was some falling out between the syndicate members over money,” he added.

Police said they are aware of the group involved and could not rule out further arrests.

Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.