"With this comes inherent dangers. The re-wiring on at least three homes in Masterton was so bad that the potential for serious fires was ever present at these homes. This not only affects the persons inside but also neighbours who become at risk also."
To date Operation Lucy in the Wellington/Wairarapa area has recovered 1272 cannabis plants, dry cannabis head prepared for sale, cannabis oil preparation, cannabis oil and other non-prescriptive drugs held illegally for sale.
Mr Bysouth said Operation Lucy had led to a successful hit rate for police. "On almost every one of the 27 searches, persons have been placed before the courts and if not already convicted are currently facing appropriate charges relating to Misuse of Drugs Act offences."
In the course of searching for cannabis growing operations under Operation Lucy, police discovered a loaded, sawn-off shotgun under a couch in a house in Masterton and also caught a man in Martinborough with a methamphetamine supply. The man is now in police custody before he faces the court process.
Mr Bysouth said the Search and Surveillance Act of 2012 that allows for searches without warrants had "significantly increased" police opportunity to recover unlawful substances.
He said police were pleased with the outcome of Operation Lucy in reducing the harm caused by drugs.
"I am extremely happy with the way the operation has run, the quantities of drugs and weapons we have recovered and am confident that some of the misery spread by the these substances and weapons has been reduced or eradicated.
"Those persons who have a relative involved in drugs or know someone who struggles to free themselves of addiction need to know we are working for them and doing our best to target those persons responsible for causing that harm."
