Operation Lime sours Wellington cannabis industry

As part of the termination of the national Undercover operation "Operation Lime", 45 uniform and CIB staff from Wellington Police executed a number of search warrants at business premises and residential dwellings yesterday morning. The operation targeted businesses and individuals responsible for the commercial sale of equipment used for growing cannabis.

As a result of the Wellington phase of this operation, a total of 19 search warrants were executed and it is anticipated that 23 people will face over 60 charges. 288 cannabis plants have been seized along with 48 pounds of dried cannabis and 632 tabs of LSD. The value of the drugs seized is estimated to be in excess of $200,000.

Police staff from the Wellington asset recovery unit have restrained four houses and seized $200,000 during this operation to date.

Detective Sergeant Paul Hampton says a reduction in cannabis availability will contribute to safer communities.

“This operation will significantly reduce the availability of cannabis to organised criminal groups who are often responsible for the control of its distribution to people in our communities.”

Detective Sergeant Hampton says staff worked for several months behind the scenes to ensure a successful operation in the district.

“The intelligence gathered during this operation was invaluable in identifying people cultivating cannabis at residential addresses throughout the Wellington District. It resulted in a number of arrests, property being restrained and a large quantity of this harmful drug that will not reach the community.”

“Ongoing analysis of the intelligence obtained and business records seized during this operation will help Police identify additional addresses where cannabis is being currently cultivated,” he says.