In April 2015 Marlborough Police terminated an investigation, known as Operation A, targeting the organised cultivation of cannabis in the Marlborough Sounds and subsequent sale of cannabis.
Approximately 25 kilograms of cannabis was located in a yacht searched by Police.
Assisting Marlborough Police with their investigation were members of the Southern Asset Recovery Unit.
Application has been made to the High Court for restraint of property pursuant to the Criminal Proceeds (Recovery Act) 2009 and has seen $575,000.00 worth of assets restrained.
This includes the yacht searched upon termination of the investigation.
Further property restrained includes 2 further boats, a vehicle and two residential properties.
Three persons were arrested and currently face charges of cultivating cannabis, possession of cannabis for supply and possession of equipment for cultivating cannabis.
Investigations are continuing to establish if further charges will result.
“The financial investigation is continuing to establish the extent of the benefit obtained through the criminal activity identified” says Detective Senior Sergeant Brent Murray from the Southern Asset Recovery Unit.
“So far this has been a very successful investigation, which is on going, and at this stage inquiries would indicate significant income has been generated from the cultivation and sale of cannabis.”
“New Zealand Police, including the Asset Recovery Units, will target criminals involved in crime, including the sale of controlled drugs. The aim is to continue to dismantle and disrupt criminal enterprises benefiting from the profits earned through crime, preventing the harm caused in the community from their criminal activites.”
ENDS
Issued by Kevin Sinnott.
