Police believe the true success of this year’s national cannabis operation is not the drugs destroyed, the guns seized or the suspects arrested but rather the harm that has been prevented from occurring in the community.
Detective Senior Sgt. Scott McGill said that during Operation Lucy 105,000 cannabis plants were destroyed, 112 firearms seized and 640 suspects arrested.
“The cannabis trade is a destructive force in New Zealand society,” Mr McGill said. “By destroying over 100,000 plants before they were harvested police have prevented significant social damage from occurring in our community.”
Mr McGill said the arrest of 64 patched gang members or associates during Operation Lucy shows the strong connection between organised crime and the cannabis trade.
“We are very pleased with the results from this year’s operation which show our commitment to restrict the influence of these organised criminal groups.”
In addition to the plants and firearms seized an estimated $195,000 of stolen property was recovered.
Mr McGill said that three clan labs were also discovered during Operation Lucy, two in Northland and one in Eastern District.
“The clan labs detected during Operation Lucy show that often organised criminal groups manufacture and supply a range of illegal drugs, “
“Police will continue to work with the public to reduce the harm cannabis and other illicit drugs cause in the community.”
“You can report any suspicious activity involving drugs by contacting your local police station or by calling Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
Plants Seized Per District
Northland
46,224
Waitemata / Counties Manukau
2629
Waikato
8272
BOP
16,620
Eastern
14,657
Central
7,415
Wellington
1,393
Tasman
7,639
ENDS
For more information contact Kevin Sinnott on 04 470 7136
Crimestoppers is an independent charity that helps New Zealanders to fight crime by providing an anonymous and simple way to pass on information to the authorities. Call 0800 555 111 or email by visiting www.crimestoppers-nz.org