Rooms of cannabis discovered in police operation

Photo / supplied

Rooms of cannabis was discovered when dozens of police officers swooped on a rural Waikato property today.

At dawn, more than 40 officers from Hamilton, Bay of Plenty and Auckland raided the property off State Highway 23, at Whatawhata, 13km west of Hamilton.

Acting Hamilton City Commander Inspector John Kelly said the property had three residential dwellings on it and several outbuildings.

"At this time large quantities of cannabis have been recovered and two men aged 47 and 48 have been arrested on cultivation of cannabis and possession for supply charges while a woman is helping us with our enquiries in relation to possession of cannabis and methamphetamine."

Police had to close SH23 between Raglan and Hamilton for about 20 minutes for "public safety" because guns were known to be at the house.

The Armed Offenders Squad helped police secure the property, Mr Kelly said.

"Again, because of the risks posed not only to the public but to our staff and the offenders themselves, when firearms are believed to be present we need to take certain precautions to ensure the safety of all those involved.

"Due to the high level of planning the property was able to be secured without incident and the road reopened shortly after 7.15am. A scene guard is currently in place and will remain there to assist in the securing of the property as it is searched by the inquiry team."

A police spokesman told APNZ he saw a room "totally full" of cannabis and another half-filled with dry cannabis. He said there were two other rooms but he was unsure of how much of the drug was in those rooms.