Operation Marvel update Tuesday 9 December

Searches continued today on properties in the Westport, Cape Foulwind, Waimangaroa and Denniston areas.
Police forensic staff and an ESR botanist were examining the indoor cannabis growing facilities at 3 locations.
Another 2 persons have been arrested today on cannabis-related charges.

Operation Marvel O/C, Detective Inspector John Winter, said that the operation would continue in the area until all tasks had been completed. A large number of exhibits had been seized and arrangements were being made to relocate them to a secure facility, along with 3 vehicles that had also been seized.

Power company inspectors had visited the hydroponic sites and confirmed the bypass and theft of electricity at some of them. The sites were well constructed within residential facilities, and contained heat lights, timers and extractor fans.

Staffing would be reviewed tonight and it was likely some staff would be released to their home locations tomorrow.