Bay of Plenty Police believe the forfeiture of a Rotorua couple's home and community based sentences should send a clear message to drug offenders of the consequences they face when caught dealing illicit drugs.
Detective Sergeant Ryan Yardley of the Tauranga CIB said today's sentencing of a 41-year-old man and his 38-year-old female partner in the Rotorua High Court resulted from a search warrant carried out of the couple's home in August last year.
"The search, carried out in August last year, resulted in the discovery of a sophisticated indoor cannabis growing operation and the recovery of 80 cannabis plants. This crop of Cannabis alone would cause between $53,000 and $106,100 of harm to the community based on the drug harm index.
"Cannabis continues to be the most highly abused illicit drug in this country and as such has a huge financial and social impact on the community."
In addition to the man being sentenced to eight months home detention and 200 hours community service and the woman receiving nine month supervision, the couple's home was ordered to be forfeited to the Crown under legislation introduced in September last year.
"Under the Sentencing Amendment Act properties determined to have been used as instruments of crime can be subject to an order of forfeiture as is the case today.
"Offenders need to be aware that when they become involved in the illicit drugs trade they risk not only the losing their freedom but the loss of their homes and property as well."
Mr Yardley said the successful prosecution of the pair came about following information received from the community, support that is crucial in tackling those involved in the illicit drugs trade.
"Bay of Plenty Police continue to place a strong focus on those growing, manufacturing, distributing or selling drugs in our community, but we can't operate alone.
"Our ability to take action against those preying on our communities is dependent on the support of local residents. I would encourage anyone with information that could help us to come forward, your call will be treated in confidence."
While investigators always prefer to speak to people directly to develop information, that wasn't always an option and in those circumstances Police recommended people contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
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