Raids uncover cannabis plots

Two large-scale cannabis growing operations have been found in Hawke's Bay

Hawke's Bay Police yesterday uncovered two large cannabis indoor-growing operations and seized a haul of property stolen in recent rural burglaries.

Police searched three properties in Hastings and one each in Havelock North and Napier as part of a planned operation targeting cannabis growers and stolen property.

The indoor cannabis operations were found in two flats that were part of a block of five in Park Rd, Hastings. About 150 cannabis plants were found there.

A 51-year-old Hastings man was arrested and charged with drug offences and theft of power. Police expected more arrests to follow.

Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Darren Pritchard, of the Organised Crime Group, said a large amount of property was found in the garage of a Havelock North house. The power tools, equipment, sports gear, bikes and other items had all been stolen in a spate of rural burglaries recently around Pakowhai, Tomoana Rd and on the outskirts of Havelock North.

"We have had the owners of the property identify their items today, which has been a great relief to them and to us," Mr Pritchard said.

Arrests were pending regarding that property.

A 30-year-old Napier man is facing charges of possession of cannabis, after his home in Onekawa was searched.

Mr Pritchard said a common theme was emerging of power supplies being illegally modified to bypass power meters.

"This is happening more and more as growers move towards indoor growing operations.

"There is a substantial penalty for these types of offences and we will not hesitate to prosecute anyone we find stealing power in this way."

He said the raids were a classic example of how drugs and other types of crime were closely connected.

"People are stealing items to get money for drugs - which is nothing new - but it shows that drugs have a direct link with other crime in our communities.

"We need people to speak up about any suspicious behaviour in their neighbourhood and to let us know if they are aware of any drug activity."