Two men have been sentenced to prison for their roles in a large-scale cannabis cultivation operation conducted in an underground bunker on New Zealand’s West Coast. Michael Kevin Milne, 68, and Anthony Wayne Harris, 77, were found guilty of multiple charges related to the sophisticated drug operation.
Details of the Operation
The underground bunker, located on Milne’s property known as Cowboy Paradise, was a significant site for cannabis production. The facility, measuring 240 square meters and buried three meters underground, was accessed through a trapdoor hidden in a shipping container.
- Key aspects of the operation included:
- Estimated power usage comparable to that of a commercial building.
- The ability to grow cannabis year-round, with an estimated annual yield of around 136 kg (300 lbs).
- A potential street value exceeding $1 million.
The police uncovered the operation following a series of covert investigations that culminated in raids in 2019. During these raids, authorities seized approximately $5 million worth of assets, including firearms, cash, vehicles, and machinery.
Sentencing Outcomes
In court, Judge Paul Kellar described the cannabis operation as highly sophisticated. Milne received a six-year prison sentence for charges including cultivating cannabis, possession for supply, and selling the drug. Harris, who faced additional firearms and weapons charges, was sentenced to five years in prison.
- Additional details from the sentencing:
- The court noted the significant scale and organization of the operation.
- Both men’s lawyers argued for leniency based on their ages and the challenges they would face in prison.
- Milne’s lawyer requested home detention, which was ultimately denied.
During the police investigation, officers discovered over 800 cannabis plants, excluding seedlings and harvested plants. They also found an array of weapons at Harris’s property, including knives, batons, pepper spray, nunchucks, and knuckle dusters, which the prosecution argued were intended for protection.
Implications of the Case
This case highlights the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in combating sophisticated drug operations. The significant scale of the operation and the extensive resources involved underscore the need for continued vigilance in addressing illegal drug cultivation and distribution.
As the legal consequences unfold for Milne and Harris, the case serves as a reminder of the serious implications associated with large-scale cannabis operations, particularly in secluded areas where such activities can go undetected for extended periods.
