Police arrested a 35-year-old man overnight after they located 268 cannabis plants at a Papakura address.
Police arrived at the house on an unrelated matter and invoked the Search and Surveillance Act after officers smelt cannabis.
Upon entry they found a large drug operation being carried out and seized almost 1.4kg of dried cannabis as well as hundreds of plants in various stages of maturity.
Detective Senior Sergeant Rod Honan of Papakura CIB says the clandestine operation was one of the more sophisticated setups they have located recently.
“From the outside of this property nothing appeared to be out of the ordinary. Three growing rooms were revealed and a large amount of cannabis seized.
“It's really important that people report all suspicious behaviour to Police; in this case, it was just by luck that officers were able to uncover what was going on and get the drugs off our streets.”
The investigation is ongoing.
Property and drug-related crime is targeted by Counties Manukau Police in an ongoing effort to reduce offending in the area.
“We are committed to reducing the effects and availability of drugs in our community. We will take swift action against those who spread harm through supplying and selling illicit drugs. We are continuing to carry out a number of strategies to target offenders and interrupt the trade and manufacture of drugs," says Detective Senior Sergeant Rod Honan.
“Information from the public is vital to our success, and we are always keen to hear from anyone who has information about stolen property and drugs. Anyone wanting to share information with Police can do so confidentially by contacting their local Police station, or by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
ENDS
Issued by Kimberley Mathews/Communications Manager, Counties Manukau Police
021 192 0717