CUSTOMERS OF RAIDED SHOPS WILL HAVE TO SHOW ID

Taking an entire chain of hydroponics stores out of the market will
have no effect on commercial cannabis cultivation, a cannabis law
reformer says.

Police swooped on 35 businesses allegedly supplying cannabis growing
equipment on Tuesday, including all 16 branches of Switched On Gardener.

Police allege some employees were caught smoking cannabis.

More than 500 police were involved in raids this week that led to the
arrests of almost 100 people and the busting of 42 commercial cannabis
operations.

Business employees face charges including selling cannabis plants and
dried cannabis over the counter. Some managers and directors have been
charged with participating in an organised criminal group and
cultivating cannabis.

Among those arrested in Auckland were the management of Switched On
Gardener, including its director, distribution manager, business
development manager, operations manager, general manager and four area
managers.

Michael Maurice Quinlan, of Rodney, the director of Switched On
Gardener's umbrella company, Stoneware 91, faces 35 charges.

Managers Brent Gestro and Peter John Bennet, both of Waitakere, were
jointly charged on 70 counts.

Detective Inspector Stu Allsopp-Smith said police had not asked for
the stores to be closed but all customers would have to supply
photographic ID, such as a passport or driving licence, their name,
address, contact phone number and date of birth.

Staff would have to record a description and serial number of the item
sold, and their own name and signature as seller. It is understood the
conditions apply to all 35 companies raided by police.

Police said they were focused on tackling organised crime behind the
$800 million cannabis industry, not small private growers.

But National Reform of Marijuana Laws spokesman Chris Fowlie said
people who grew cannabis for themselves or a few friends were the
businesses' main customers.

People who genuinely bought hydroponic gear for growing vegetables
would also be intimidated by the trading conditions.

"The serious commercial guys don't want to be anywhere near those
places, they think they are too hot."

But police believe criminal organisations were involved in the
businesses. Detective Sergeant Paul Hampton, who headed the Wellington
operation, said gang members had turned up while police were at one of
the three Wellington businesses raided.

As part of Operation Lime, police have busted more than 100 commercial
cannabis growing operations and seized more than 6000 plants during
the past two years.

Firearms - including illegal semi-automatics - were found this week,
along with other drugs.