Police crack down on illegal indoor cannabis growers, seizing millions in drugs and deporting Vietnamese nationals.
Authorities in New Zealand have made a significant breakthrough in the fight against organized crime, resulting in the arrest and deportation of a group of Vietnamese nationals linked to a large-scale indoor cannabis cultivation operation. Over the past two weeks, police executed more than 30 search warrants across Auckland, targeting residential properties used for sophisticated cannabis growing systems.
The operation, which involved collaboration between the Counties Manukau, Auckland City, and Waitemata police districts, led to the seizure of over 3,385 cannabis plants at various growth stages and an impressive 48 kilograms of dried cannabis. The estimated value of the confiscated drugs is around $18 million, highlighting the scale of this illicit enterprise.
Arrests and Deportations
In total, eleven individuals were arrested during the operation, all of whom were found to be in New Zealand illegally. Following their arrest, Immigration New Zealand took swift action, deporting the Vietnamese nationals back to their home country.
This operation is part of a broader strategy by New Zealand law enforcement to dismantle organized crime syndicates involved in drug production and distribution. Acting Detective Inspector Greg Brand of Auckland City Police commented on the ongoing investigation, emphasizing that police would not rule out further arrests as inquiries continue.
“These individuals were part of a sophisticated and profit-driven criminal syndicate,” said Brand. “Their actions mirror similar operations uncovered in Australia, where predominantly Vietnamese groups have been running numerous indoor cannabis-growing operations.”
Sophisticated Operations
The police described the cannabis cultivation setups as highly sophisticated, capable of producing large quantities of cannabis for sale. Many of the properties used in these operations appeared innocuous, often blending into residential neighborhoods without raising suspicions among neighbors.
“Make no mistake, these syndicates are well connected to gangs,” Brand noted. “This cannabis is a significant source of income for their illegal operations.”
The dangers of such operations extend beyond drug production. Officers reported that many of the rental properties used for cultivation were significantly modified, posing severe fire risks due to dangerous electrical installations. Police estimate that millions of dollars’ worth of electricity is being stolen annually to sustain these illegal operations.
Police Warnings for Landlords
In light of this crackdown, police are urging landlords to be more vigilant when renting out their properties. Regular property inspections and thorough vetting of tenants can help prevent illegal activities.
“Carry out thorough vetting: get two forms of photo identification and sight the original document, comparing the photo with the applicant,” advised police.
Community Vigilance Essential
The police also emphasized the importance of community awareness in tackling this issue. They encourage residents to report any suspicious activity, such as unusual deliveries of grow bags or signs of tampered electricity meters.
- Here are some key points for community vigilance:
- Report unusual deliveries or suspicious behavior.
- Look out for signs of tampered electricity meters.
- Maintain communication with local law enforcement.
Community members can report information about suspicious activity by calling the police at 105, visiting their website, or contacting Crime Stoppers anonymously at 0800 555 111.
For members of migrant communities who might feel at risk of exploitation, assistance is available through the Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment (MBIE) at 0800 209 020.
As police continue their inquiries and the investigation unfolds, the focus remains on disrupting these criminal networks while ensuring the safety of communities across New Zealand. The recent arrests and deportations serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing battle against organized crime and the vital role that public vigilance plays in this fight.
