Waikato trio face charges following discovery of cannabis growing operation

The prevention of drug related crime is considered the biggest benefit to both Police and the community following the recovery of over 80 cannabis plants in Hamilton yesterday.

City Tactical Coordinator, Senior Sergeant Freda Grace, said members of the Hamilton Crime Prevention Unit (CPU) made the discovery during a search of a property on the City's northern outskirts.

"CPU officers went to a semi-rural address on Meadow View Lane about 9.20am where they discovered 15 cannabis plants growing under lights in a garage on the property and another 67 plants growing in a gully behind the house.

"As a result of these discoveries two men, aged 47 and 48, and a 46-year-old female were arrested and will face drugs related charges in the Hamilton District Court today."

Ms Grace said the find highlighted what the CPU and its role was all about.

"As part of the national Policing Excellence policy Police are moving away from reactive policing to a preventative model looking at preventing the harm from offending before it happens.

"These plants have an estimated street value of over $80,000 but the amount of potential harm the drugs could cause is far greater than that."

As an example Ms grace pointed out that between November 2009 and the end of September this year 29 drivers were found driving under the influence of drugs in the Waikato and drugs are believed to have been a factor in the deaths of one motorist and one pedestrian this year.

"When you consider that the potential harm to the community is well above the estimated street value of the cannabis plants we're very pleased to have been able to remove these plants from circulation.

"Offenders can expect to see a greater Police presence out in the community as Police increase the emphasis on disruption and prevention techniques against criminal activity."