Police have arrested over 700 people involved in the commercial cultivation and distribution of cannabis during this year's national cannabis crime operation, says Detective Senior Sergeant Scott McGill from PNHQ.
The Operation, carried out during the 2006 - 2007 growing season resulted in:
• approx 100,000 plants being destroyed • over 700 offenders arrested • over 120 firearms seized • over $170,000 stolen property recovered • over 170 kilograms dried cannabis plant material seized / destroyed • 10 methamphetamine laboratories located • 12 proceeds of crime actions taken
Mr McGill said the while the total number of plants seized was down on the previous year (118,457 in 05/06) all other results from the operation increased.
"This year we arrested 200 more offenders than last year, seized 100kg more dried cannabis, more firearms (122 up from 54) and the number of methamphetamine laboratories found was up one to 10."
"The increase in the number of offenders that were apprehended and other drug types and firearms confiscated highlights the cannabis operation as a "whole of crime" operation and a gateway into other organised criminal activities.
"Across the country New Zealand's police staff are committed to reducing the effects and availability of drugs in our community.
"Members of the public also 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
Scott McGill on 04 819 1228