Police have closed down what an experienced officer has described as one of the biggest indoor cannabis-cultivating operations ever found in Northland - and they're giving the credit to Crimestoppers.
Detective Senior Sergeant Rhys Johnston said more than 500 plants, at various stages of development, had been found growing ina shed at an address inland from Taipa, in the course of a cannabis recovery operation that ended yesterday. The growing operation had been powered by a large diesel generator.
Forty-four-year-old Michael Bouman appeared before the Kaitaia District Court earlier this week and was remanded in custody, without plea, on charges of cultivating cannabis, possession for supply and possession of equipment for cultivation. He will appear again on May 8.
Detective Senior Sergeant Johnston said the operation had been discovered thanks to information provided via the Crimestoppers freephone line on 0800 555111.
"This was a very good find, made possible by accurate information [received through Crimestoppers]. We wouldn't have got there without it."
Investigations into Bouman's alleged activities would continue for some time, he added, including an effort to identify any other people who might have been involved. Consideration could also be given to seeking a financial penalty via the Proceeds of Crime Act.
The overall operation involved more than 20 police officers from Whangarei and the Mid North, along with local staff, who covered the area from Broadwood north, supported by a helicopter and a fixed-wing aircraft.
