Raid nets 340 cannabis plants

Police said the operation had 'put a dent' in Waipukurau's drugs market. Photo / Supplied

More than 340 cannabis plants with a street value of about $340,000 have been seized by armed police from a Waipukurau property.

The drug operation, which involved Waipukurau and Hastings police and assistance from the Armed Offender Squad, executed three drug-related search warrants yesterday, following a six-month investigation.

Waipukurau Police Detective John Brans said more than 340 cannabis plants were recovered from a single Waipukurau address.

Each plant has a street value of about $1000.

The plants were growing indoors, under lights in a garage and wood shed. Police also found harvested plants that were drying.

The cannabis was being grown for distribution and sale in Waipukurau and Napier.

There was also evidence that electricity at the address may have been diverted.

As a result, two males aged 46 and 21 had been charged with cultivation of cannabis, selling cannabis and offering to sell cannabis.

These men, together with another male aged 24, had also been charged with theft of electricity, and the two younger males had also been charged with offering to supply and supplying methamphetamine.

All three males are due to appear in the Waipukurau District Court tomorrow.

Mr Brans said the operation had "put a dent" in Waipukurau's drugs market and also potentially cut off a line of supply to Napier.

At this time of year, people were also planting cannabis seedlings outdoors, particularly around rivers and in forested or rural areas, he said.

- If you notice suspicious behaviour, call Waipukurau police on 06 858 9140 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.