Cannabis haul 'one of the biggest'

Constable Barry Murray photographing an item of interest seized in the course of this week's recovery operation.

Police have closed what an experienced officer yesterday described as one of the biggest indoor cannabis-cultivating operations 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, were found growing in a shed at an address inland from Taipa, in the course of a cannabis recovery operation that ended yesterday.

The growing operation was 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 was discovered thanks to information provided via Crimestoppers.

"This was a very good find, made possible by accurate information.

"We wouldn't have got there without it," he said.

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 invoking 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.

Details of the number of cannabis plants seized or destroyed, arrests and other information would not be available for several days.