Joint operation arrests eight

Members of the Auckland City CIB, supported by colleagues from AMCOS (Auckland Metro Crime and Operations Support) and neighbouring Counties/Manukau and Waitemata Police districts, seized 27lbs of high grade cannabis and arrested eight men yesterday during the execution of eight search warrants in the region.

The arrested men - aged between 27 and 65 - are appearing in the Auckland, Henderson and Manukau District Courts today and over the next week to face a range of charges including possession, possession for supply and cultivation of cannabis.

Yesterday's activities were the culmination of two months investigations into organised criminal involvement in the cultivation and distribution of cannabis. The quantity seized is thought to have a street value of $270,000.

Plants and dried leaf, already packaged for sale, were seized from buildings and private addresses in Te Atatu South, Waitakere, Henderson, Green Bay and Manukau, along with $10,000 of cash.

About 30 Police staff were involved in yesterday's operation which, officer in charge Detective Senior Sergeant Mark McHattie, says is part of ongoing pressure on organised crime and criminal activity in the region.

"We encourage anyone with information about criminal activity in their neighbourhoods to contact Police via 111 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."