ODT - 18/4/09

Cannabis with a street value in the thousands of dollars was seized by Dunedin police in raids on three houses with gang connections yesterday.

Sgt Chris McLellan, of Dunedin police tactical section, said cannabis found at two South Rd, Caversham, houses was being grown in a sophisticated hydroponic setup. The find meant less of the illegal drug would be on the street.

With "rising" gang issues in the city, police were taking a proactive approach to drug dealing, he said.

The first search warrant was executed at a "known Mongrel Mob" gang house at Halfway Bush at 7.20am, after information was gathered about drug dealing by people who lived at the house.

Police found about 20 "tinnies" of cannabis, with a street value of about $500, scales and other drug paraphernalia.

As a result, a 20-year-old male with "known gang links" was arrested and charged with possession of cannabis for supply. He will appear in the Dunedin District Court.

The other search warrants were executed at neighbouring properties in South Rd about 11.30am.

The first house, a small wooden bungalow, had cannabis plants throughout the house, including a full hydroponic set up with lights, fans, water pumps and piping in the front room.

Plants were also found under lights in a back bedroom, and piping and other material used in the cultivation of plants in a garden shed.

About 50 plants were found in the house, varying in size from seedlings to mature plants.

At the neighbouring property, a "significant" amount of cut and dried cannabis material was found in the ceiling cavity.

Sgt McLellan estimated there would have been enough cannabis in the ceiling to fill a "Kleensak".

Two men, aged 41 and 45, were arrested at the houses and charged with cultivating cannabis. The 45-year-old man also had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. They will both appear in the Dunedin District Court next week.