Anonymous tips shut down four drug operations

Anonymous information from the community and through Crimestoppers has helped police to locate and shut down four significant Rotorua drug operations in the past six weeks.

Detectives responsible for investigating drug offending in the city want to thank the community for taking a stand against this harmful enterprise and encourage the flow of information so that they can make an even greater impact.

During the most recent search warrant carried out yesterday (Monday, 1 July) in Hannahs Bay, police recovered 199 mature cannabis plants, 286 seedlings, over 2 kilos of cannabis plant material and an insecure firearm.

A 52-year-old man will appear in Rotorua District Court on Thursday charged with drugs and firearms-related offences. An arrest was made in each of the three other operations and these individuals are currently going through the court process.

"All of these growing operations were in residential homes but commercial in size with sophisticated equipment and set-up," said Detective Sergeant Mark Van Kempen. "We are talking about determined individuals with a complete disregard for the law who are brazen enough to operate under the noses of neighbours and landlords. That is why community information is so crucial. The Rotorua community has shown over the last few weeks that it doesn't want drugs on its doorstep and we can help make that happen.

"A lot of people know what is going on but don't call us because they don't realise that they can do so anonymously. These results show just how much we can do with an anonymous tip. The combined value of the drugs seized from these operations is about $200,000 and it is believed that this will have a significant impact on the supply of cannabis from the Rotorua area."

Anonymous information can be provided by contacting your local police station. Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 provides a valuable alternative. They are a charity independent of the police and provide complete anonymity for people wanting to report any criminal activity. They do not record calls and will never ask you your name; they simply take your information and pass it to the police.

Even when cannabis is being grown inside buildings there are tell-tale signs for the public and landlords to look out for.

•       Residents increasing fence heights
•       Curtains closed day and night
•       Windows to homes sheds and garages being blocked out
•       Bright lights on constantly or at strange times
•       Sounds of fans continually running
•       Looked doors in homes when landlords visits
•       Vehicles and people visiting at all hours of the day and night.
•       Pungent smell

If you have information on drugs or any other criminal activity phone your local police station of call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.