District wide operation nets more than 700 cannabis plants and 11 arrests

Police have made several arrests following a district-wide operation in the midst of the cannabis growing season, to target those cultivating the drug.

Eleven people are facing a variety of drug-related charges following the execution of 15 search warrants recently, in Masterton, South Wairarapa, Upper Hutt and Wellington.

Officer in charge of the district operation, Detective Sergeant Rob Rackliff of Wairarapa CIB says over 50 Police staff recovered several hundred thousand dollars worth of cannabis, seizing more than 700 cannabis plants, both through ground warrants and aerial recovery.

"This operation has been part of the national cannabis and crime initiative dubbed Operation Linda, to target organised crime and those involved in the cultivation, distribution and supply of cannabis."

Rob Rackliff says the 11 people arrested included two women and nine men, aged between 18 and 59 years of age. Most of them have made Court appearances over the past few days on a variety of charges, including cultivation of cannabis, possession of cannabis and possession for supply of cannabis.

"Police will continue to crack down on organised crime, including the cultivation of cannabis and those involved in this anti-social behaviour can expect to be caught. We remain committed to reducing the harm caused by cannabis in our communities."