CANNABIS SWOOP PUTS 13 UNDER INVESTIGATION Police may prosecute 13 people as a result of raids on Nelson cannabis plots, which have revealed some crops are flourishing while others have been hindered by possums and a lack of rain. About 5000 plants worth millions of dollars have been seized since police began using an Iroquois helicopter last Thursday to spot crops. The best haul came on Monday when 70 plants up to 4m tall were discovered in Golden Bay. "I haven't seen them that big in a few years," operation commander Sergeant Steve Savage said. The crop was protected with an electric fence, cyanide paste and possum or "gin" traps. This was now standard practice among growers who didn't want wildlife interfering with their crops, he said. Detective John Nicholls, of Motueka police, said about 40 plants were "decimated" by possums because a "lazy" Murchison grower had not protected his crops. "It was chewed to bits. It was the worst I've ever seen. They love it, absolutely love it." Some "cheeky" growers had planted crops close to the road, which was also unusual. Another crop was found being grown indoors under lamps. This was a sign that growers were being forced indoors, he said. The annual cannabis recovery project, dubbed Operation Emma this year, runs from September until April. "Last year we had a spectacular return for the whole operation. Time will tell whether it's the same this year. We can't just base it on the helicopter recovery." The best crops were found in Golden Bay. With its high sunshine hours and regular rain, it was well known for its ideal growing conditions, Mr Nicholls said. Mr Savage said this year's plants generally appeared smaller than in other years, possibly because of the dry conditions. Police were investigating 13 people who were expected to face prosecution. A 25-year-old Dovedale man and a 57-year-old Wakefield man were arrested on Monday and charged with cultivating cannabis. They are expected to appear in the Nelson District Court next week. More people could come under investigation as the operation continued, Mr Savage said. The helicopter operation, which ended on Monday, involved seven members of the air force and up to 19 police at any one time. Some plants were being held as evidence but others would be going up in smoke - far from the way intended - during a burn-off at a secret location. Last year's seven-month cannabis operation resulted in 36 people being arrested on about 100 charges.
No member comments available...
|