Auckland (The NZ Today)
A major police operation has targeted what investigators describe as one of the largest alleged cannabis cultivation networks operating across Auckland, resulting in 12 arrests and the seizure of drugs, cash and cannabis-growing equipment.
Operation Blackout, led by the National Organised Crime Group, involved support from Immigration New Zealand and New Zealand Customs as police moved against an alleged Vietnamese organised criminal group.
Police carried out 19 search warrants across Auckland suburbs including Flat Bush, Howick, Sylvia Park, Wiri and Massey as part of the 10-month investigation.
Detective Senior Sergeant John Brunton said the operation went beyond individual cannabis grow-house discoveries, allowing police to build a wider picture of an alleged organised network.
Police allege the group was involved in supplying cannabis cultivation equipment, operating cannabis growing operations and laundering money linked to criminal activity.
A 36-year-old Flat Bush man, whom police allege was a key figure in the operation, has been charged with offences including participating in an organised criminal group, money laundering, supplying cannabis cultivation equipment and possessing cannabis for supply.
He appeared in the Manukau District Court on August 20 and is due back in court in November.
Eleven other people — including two women and nine men — are also facing charges linked to organised crime, money laundering and drug-related offending.
During the searches, police seized around $1.25 million worth of cannabis cultivation equipment, approximately $80,000 in cash, a pistol and ammunition, about 35 kilograms of cannabis, and large quantities of MDMA pills.
Police said the investigation uncovered the scale of the alleged operation, with more than five tonnes of cannabis material seized from over 50 rental properties during the course of the operation.
Police also said 11 Vietnamese nationals, allegedly acting as crop-sitters, were deported after being located during search warrants. A further five people remain in New Zealand while prosecution processes continue.
Detective Senior Sergeant Brunton said the operation sent a message to organised crime groups involved in drug manufacturing and distribution.
“This is a fantastic result and sends a strong message to any syndicates operating — we are watching,” he said.
Police said they would continue working with other agencies to identify and disrupt organised criminal networks operating across New Zealand.
Source: New Zealand Police.
