Seven arrested after sting on meth and cannabis network

  • 14/12/2017
Seven arrested after sting on meth and cannabis network
Photo credit: Police

Seven people have been arrested, after an investigation into a methamphetamine and cannabis network.

The arrests follow a police inquiry into a criminal syndicate, with members setting up "sophisticated indoor cannabis growing systems".

Detective Inspector Paul Newman from the National Organised Crime Group said the group was dealing large amounts of P and cannabis.

Police also seized a large amount of cash, as well as pills and powder at the properties, which are being tested.

A 34-year-old man was arrested last Thursday in connection to the discovery of 7.6 kilograms of methamphetamine.

A further six people - fives males and one female - aged between 24-48, were due to appear in the Manakau District Court on Thursday in connection with cultivating cannabis.

"This is a good example of an organised syndicate with international connections, who we believe are using the profits from commercial cannabis sales to fund operations around the importation of methamphetamine," Detective Inspector Newman said.

He said properties where cannabis is grown could be extremely difficult to identify.

"But what they do have in common is that the curtains are invariably drawn to assist in cannabis growth conditions and to prevent prying eyes from identifying criminal activity."

Newshub.