Police have had another successful nationwide operation to reduce the availability of cannabis in New Zealand and arrested 500 people involved in the commercial cultivation and distribution of the drug, says Detective Senior Sergeant Scott McGill
The Operation, carried out during the 2005 - 2006 growing season resulted in:
• approx 118,000 plants being destroyed • 500 offenders arrested • 54 firearms seized • estimated $100,000 stolen property recovered • 77 kilograms dried cannabis plant material seized / destroyed • 9 methamphetamine laboratories located
Mr McGill said the results show the commitment and dedication of the Police staff around the country to reducing the effects and availability of drugs in our community.
"The number of plants seized is up approximately 10,000 on last year despite Police having to battle the elements to a certain extent this year with some unseasonably bad weather," Mr McGill says.
"This year we also seized more dried cannabis (up from 75kg last year), more firearms (up from 46) and the number of methamphetamine laboratories found was up from five to nine."
"Members of the public make a major contribution to the success of these operations by providing invaluable information each year that leads to plots being located and offenders arrested."
Planning for next year's operation has begun. People with information about cannabis cultivation are encouraged to contact their local Police station in confidence.
"Police intend to continue their efforts to reduce the availability of cannabis and associated drugs within New Zealand, resulting in safer communities", says Mr McGill.
ENDS.
Detective Senior Sergeant Scott McGill
National Coordinator: National Cannabis Crime Operations
For more information please contact
Jane Archibald
Media Advisor
PNHQ
04 474 9442 or 027 568 0267