Large cannabis haul renews calls for information from public

A Bay of Plenty Police organised crime operation undertaken last week resulted in more than 10,000 cannabis plants being located and destroyed across the Bay of Plenty.

Four people were arrested, each facing charges of cultivating cannabis. A stolen car was also recovered during the course of the operation.

The acting Bay of Plenty Crime Services manager, Detective Inspector Tim Anderson, says the operation was focused on eradication of cannabis plants, and was predominately held in the Western and Eastern Bay of Plenty. Key areas of focus were Opotiki to Te Kaha, Te Puke to Tauranga and Whakatane.

"Targeting those organised crime groups who make a living from the manufacture and distribution of illicit drugs – including cannabis – remains an ongoing focus for Bay of Plenty Police.

"Illicit drugs cause a significant amount of harm in Bay of Plenty communities, and cannabis is no different to methamphetamine in that regard.

"The impact of cannabis in our communities is wide-reaching, and goes far beyond the individual user, often translating into other crime such as burglary, stolen cars, violence and intimidation.

"Police have an obvious role to play in apprehending offenders, but we urgently need the public's help in order to be able to do our job.

"Now is the time to speak up about drug use, manufacture and distribution that may be seriously affecting the health of your friends and whänau, and the safety of your community."

Detective Inspector Anderson says members of the public can now speak up about drug or other criminal offending completely anonymously, by calling the independent Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.

Crimestoppers is operated as an independent organisation and is dedicated to providing an anonymous means for people to provide information on criminal activities. It has been operating for 12 months in New Zealand.

"Crimestoppers makes it easy for people to do the right thing, safe in the knowledge that no-one will ever know who supplied the information. They guarantee never to ask for your name or record your call.

“I’m urging anyone who knows or suspects someone is either growing or dealing in cannabis or making methamphetamine, to come forward and call Crimestoppers today or your local Police Station today. Do something positive for your family and your community.

“If you’re suspicious, then speak up and call Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 or use the online message form at www.crimstoppers-nz.org. It is that simple- we’ll do the rest.”