Police have recovered hundreds of cannabis plants during raids on several east Auckland properties.
Sergeant Brett Meale of Howick Police says officers found a large number of cannabis plants and a “sizeable amount” of harvested cannabis plant material during the execution of a search warrant at a Meadowlands house on August 1.
The operation was in relation to the alleged cultivation and supply of cannabis.
“A large-scale cannabis cultivation was located,” Meale told the Times.
“Four males aged between 29 and 44 years old were arrested and charged.
“As part of the ongoing investigation, police executed two further search warrants in Howick and Half Moon Bay on August 15.
“Two further sophisticated cannabis cultivations were found, and a further 270 cannabis plants located.
“Enquiries are under way to locate the properties’ tenants.”
Meale says the incident is a timely reminder for landlords and property managers to be on the lookout for evidence of such offending.
“Especially when they’re conducting or attempting to conduct property inspections,” he says.
“Likewise, members of the public or neighbours can report any suspicious activity they witness via the police’s 105 reporting line or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
Meanwhile, Meale says on August 13 police located and arrested a 39-year-old male and a 32-year-old female in relation to a burglary carried out in Sunnyhills the week prior.
“The male and female have been charged with burglary and remanded in custody to allow police to conduct further enquiries into Auckland-wide dishonesty and retail offending.”
More charges are likely, he says.
“Police want to acknowledge members of the public who noticed suspicious behaviour and took photographs of the offenders.
“Their actions undoubtedly assisted with these identifications and arrests.”
