Drugs, guns and money seized

SEIZED: Police have busted a 200-plant cannabis operation in Masterton, also netting weapons and methamphetamine. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

Operation nets a huge haul in west Masterton

Wairarapa police have busted a sophisticated, "commercial" cannabis operation uncovering almost 200 plants being grown at a Masterton property.

On January 30, as part of Operation Lucy, police searched a Masterton property on the west side of town.

They discovered 197 cannabis plants laid out in growing areas, 160 litres of isopropyl alcohol, which is used to manufacture cannabis oil, methamphetamine, four firearms including a loaded sawn-off shotgun and cash.

A man and a woman in their 30s were arrested and will face drug-related charges before the Masterton District Court.

Detective sergeant Barry Bysouth said police believe others are involved in the operation and an investigation is continuing.

"Other persons are involved in this set-up. This was a commercial cannabis grow, targeted directly at the manufacture of cannabis oil."

Mr Bysouth said the manufacture of cannabis oil poses a serious safety risk to the community.

"There are inherent risks in the manufacture ... alcohol is burned over an open flame and this process has the potential for explosion and house fires."

The bust indicated organised crime and gangs were operating in urban Masterton, Mr Bysouth said.

"I would ask that the public are vigilant around suspicious activity, not only rurally but at urban addresses, where they may smell strange smells and hear fans operating during the night, curtains may be drawn constantly ... all these things can be indicative that drug cultivation may be occurring."

Overall, Wairarapa police have seized about 600 plants during Operation Lucy, the local name for a national police cannabis recovery operation.

"I anticipate more operations will be discovered by police over the coming months," Mr Bysouth said.

Operation Lucy will run until April and involves members of the armed forces, a ground crew and an air crew, who will be spread throughout Wairarapa aimed at disrupting organised crime and bringing to justice those who profit from the cultivation and sale of cannabis.

The operation is aimed at hitting outdoor cannabis growing, mostly in rural Wairarapa but also in urban areas.

Mr Bysouth said police had put up Operation Lucy posters in agricultural and hunting shops around town, to target rural residents. Anonymous tips are also appreciated, he said.

"We are still attempting to locate areas of cannabis cultivation in rural Wairarapa and still seeking the help from members of the public."