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.