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Thu, 1 Apr 2010
News: National | Police
http://www.odt.co.nz/news/national/100023/mass-arrests-police-swoop-drug...

A 14-day police operation in the Bay of Plenty has led to 115 arrests, the destruction of thousands of cannabis plants, and the recovery of a significant amount of stolen property.

The bust of organised crime was throughout the Bay of Plenty, Rotorua, Tokoroa and Taupo.

As well as cannabis and stolen property, the raids netted varying amounts of methamphetamine and uncovered 10 indoor cannabis cultivation sites.

One of the cannabis gardens used three rooms of a house to grow the drug. The drugs haul included 43kg of dried cannabis.

Police targeted individuals and groups involved in the distribution and sale of drugs, and those dealing in stolen property and guns, Detective Senior Sergeant Lindsay Pilbrow said.

"The consequences of drugs are harmful, and methamphetamine is particularly harmful. Its impacts are wide-reaching and beyond the individual user and often translate into other areas of crime such as burglary, stolen cars, serious violence and intimidation," he said.

The operation also targeted organised crime, which manufactured and distributed methamphetamine and cannabis.

Those arrested faced a variety of charges, including possession and supply of Class A, B and C controlled drugs.

At 10 of the searches police were armed.

The raid also found several firearms including pistols, rifles and shotguns. Seven people were charged with weapons offences.

The stolen property included motor vehicles, trailers and generators worth more than $60,000.

Police worked with the Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Fisheries and New Zealand Customs Service.

The Ministry of Justice recovered more than $100,000 in outstanding fines.