CANNABIS CAMP CAME WITH HOME COMFORTS

Camp cannabis has been uncovered in bush south of Levin.

The elaborate campsite, surrounded by 200 mature cannabis plants, had
two dome-shaped tents, a picnic table and chairs, gas barbecue, quad
bike and trailer, food supplies and a sound system.

An air rifle and crossbow were among weapons found at the site, which
had evidence of babies and children living there.

The "drug camp" was hidden in dense bush about two kilometres from the
bushline.

One of the tents was serving as living quarters and the other as a
cannabis-drying room, Sergeant Brian Yanko said.

Two-metre-high cannabis plants were found in several plots. "The
plants had been well germinated and cultivated to produce high-quality
heads, which would have a street value of well over $10,000," he said.

"It would have taken a lot of time and effort setting it all up to
provide all the comforts of home."

Children's clothing, nappies and disposable "wipes" suggested that
children had been living there. There was also evidence of previous
crops, Detective Constable Andrew Townsend said.

"It was a sophisticated set-up, which had signs that cannabis crops
had been cultivated there for several years."

When police began investigating the area on Sunday they expected to
find a drug site, Constable James Walker said, "but it was the biggest
set-up I have ever seen".

They were chasing leads on the offenders.