Cannabis plants found in shipping containers near Whangarei

A tip off from a call to Crimestoppers has led to police to discovering more than 400 cannabis plants in three shipping containers at a property near Whangärei.

After the anonymous call to Crimestoppers police carried out further enquiries and then executed a search warrant at a Whareora address on Thursday last week.

At the address they located two shipping containers underground containing a large number of cannabis plants, buried under a poly house.
Police also found another eight metre shipping container above ground near a boundary fence again with a large number of cannabis plants, all at various stages of growth and other materials associated with the cultivation of cannabis.

A total of 370 mature plants plus 70 seedlings and clones were found during the search.

As a result of the search Police arrested a 45-year-old man and charged him with cultivation of cannabis.

Another address in Whangärei belonging to the offender was searched and police discovered four unsecured firearms and some ammunition.

Organised Crime Unit head Detective Sergeant Mike Blowers says a large number of cannabis plants were found as a result of a call to Crimestoppers and Police would like to encourage people to call that number if they have information on criminal activity and wish to remain anonymous.

"We were able to use the information provided and then carry out further inquiries which led to the discovery of the plants and the arrest of an offender."