Cannabis raid in city centre

Police remove cannabis plants from the central city building. Photo / BEVAN CONLEY 060913WCBRCCRI01

Growing operation was `substantial, professional and well set out'

A 52-year-old man was arrested and cannabis seized in a police raid on a building housing a central Wanganui Chinese restaurant yesterday.

Passersby and staff from Briscoes next door were all agog as about 10 police executed a search warrant in the Beijing Restaurant building on the corner of Maria Place and St Hill St around 9am. The restaurant was closed as police came and went for several hours.

Gloved police were seen trooping up and downstairs, carrying planter bags containing large and small cannabis plants, and a strong smell issued from the doorway.

There was a selection of marked and unmarked police cars outside, plus a car with two MidCentral Health staff members. They had been asked to examine the premises because the restaurant was so close to the growing operation.

Briscoes storeman Nick Bagnall said more than one horsefloat was filled with cannabis plants in pots during the morning. Police were also seen carrying out large rubbish bags.

The growing operation was substantial, professional and well set out, with automatic systems for watering, ventilation and fertiliser, and a lighting system with timers, he said.

One man has been charged with possession of cannabis for supply and cultivating cannabis. Mr Kirby would not give his occupation. He will appear in Wanganui District Court on Tuesday.

No one else has been charged, but inquiries are continuing.

There were people living in part of the building, but it was yet to be determined whether they were involved.

The Beijing Restaurant building has been for sale for some time. It is listed on Trade Me at $570,000.

Mr Kirby said police had found indoor cannabis-growing operations in houses, garages, sheds and industrial buildings, but it was rare to find one in the middle of town in a commercial building.

The restaurant remained closed last night.