Canterbury Police recovered a total of 2829 plants during this year’s national cannabis recovery operation, over 80% from locations south of the Rakaia River in mid-south Canterbury.
Detective Senior Sergeant Jason Stewart explains “In Canterbury the recovery and search warrant phase took place during late March 2015. Police, with assistance from RNZAF, completed a two day aerial recovery. Other officers executed ten search warrants and several searches under the Search and Surveillance Act 2012 provisions as part of the ground phase.”
During the Canterbury phase of Operation Jasmin a total of 21 offenders were identified resulting in 20 charges being laid and six warnings being issued.
“In addition to the recovered plants Police located over a kilogram of cannabis head along with two firearms. Operation Jasmin has reduced the amount of cannabis being distributed throughout Canterbury and this will have a positive effect on the communities in the District. The success of this operation will also reduce the harm this drug causes, particularly to our youth” explained Detective Senior Sergeant Stewart.
It only takes one call to stop the supply of drugs in your neighbourhood.
“Police would like to thank those members of the public who provided information regarding the illegal drug distribution and cannabis grows in their community. Cannabis destroys lives and relationships and is responsible for causing significant social harm each year when users turn to crime to fund their habits. Canterbury Police work closely with the community to not only disrupt the supply of drugs but also reduce the demand by referring drug users to support agencies such as the Drug and Alcohol Helpline” said Detective Senior Sergeant Stewart.
If you have information about drug cultivation, manufacture or supply in Canterbury, please contact your local Police station or Canterbury Police on 03 363 7400.
Information can also be provided anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Canterbury Police urge the public to help any of their friends or family members who use drugs, or are involved in criminal offending to fund their addiction, to break their habit and seek help.
Assistance with drug addiction is available from the Drug and Alcohol Helpline 0800 787 797, e-mail ada@adanz.org.nz
ENDS
Issued by: Lisa-Marie Brooks, District Communications Manager, Canterbury Police District. Mobile: 021 942 404