THOUSANDS OF CANNABIS PLANTS SEIZED AND 26 FACE CHARGES IN POLICE SWEEP

GISBORNE, New Zealand -- MORE THAN 14,000 cannabis plants have been
destroyed and 26 people will face drugs-related charges following an
East Coast aerial cannabis-eradication operation.

Gisborne police recently completed operation "Emma", which covered
the area from the top of the East Coast through to the Kotemaori
district near Wairoa.

In total, 14,670 cannabis plants were destroyed over the campaign.
The bulk of the plantations were destroyed by spraying while a
smaller number of plants were pulled by ground recovery teams.

Police said the number of destroyed plants increased from last year,
prompting concerns about the upsurge in production of the narcotic.

A police spokesman said while other drugs tended to have a higher
profile in the community, it was obvious cannabis remained the drug
of choice for many in this district.

A further three people will face firearms-related charges for the
nine weapons police recovered during the operation. In one instance a
fully-loaded rifle was found in a cannabis plot. A man was found a
short distance away and was arrested.

Inquiries are also continuing into a number of stolen items police
recovered during the operation, which included a motorcycle.

The plants were recovered from various locations, including areas
where people could possibly walk through during their daily work or
recreation. They reminded the public if they found a cannabis
plantation to leave the area immediately and contact the police.

Police said the success of Operation Emma was in large part due to
information they received from the public. They urge people to
contact them in total confidence with any information that might lead
to the further eradication of cannabis plants.