Six charged following cannabis bust

Six people have been arrested and charged after Counties Manukau Police busted a cannabis growing operation yesterday, Monday.

At about 7pm on March 30, police say they executed a search warrant at an address in Karaka, which had previously been used for cannabis cultivation.

During the search of the Manuwai Lane property, police say they uncovered an indoor grow setup with more than 125 cannabis plants, as well as several kilograms of dried cannabis.

The warrant is part of the police’s continued effort to crack down on commercial-scale operations with criminals profiting from the sale of drugs, they say.

“Anytime we can put a grow setup out of action it’s a good result,” says Inspector Matt Hoyes, the Counties Manukau South Police area prevention manager.

He says upon arrival, seven occupants at the address attempted to flee or hide from police officers.

“Four people were found hiding in the roof and were taken into custody without incident.

“A further two people were apprehended by police dogs and enquiries remain ongoing to locate another person.

“This was a good result, and police will continue to target people producing illegal drugs in our communities,” says Hoyes.

Six men, aged between 34 and 41, have been remanded in custody to reappear in Pukekohe District Court next month, facing charges including possession for supply of cannabis and cultivation of cannabis, police say.