HYDROPONICS COMPANY IMPLICATED IN DRUG BUST

Wellington: The supply of cannabis in Wellington is expected to shrink
significantly after police busted what they say is a major hydroponics
growing operation in the region.

Police yesterday arrested eight people, froze bank accounts and put a
restraining order on a hydroponics company after uncovering the operation.

More than 60 police searched a hydroponics supply business in Wellington's
eastern suburbs, and houses in Lyall Bay, Hataitai, Tawa, Porirua and
Otaihanga, on the Kapiti Coast.

Police put restraining orders on the business, its directors' bank
accounts, and the Otaihanga house, alleging the operation had generated
about $350,000.

Seven men and one woman were arrested and are due to appear in the
Wellington District Court today on charges relating to growing and
trafficking cannabis.

The head of the Wellington region organised crime unit, acting Detective
Senior Sergeant Darrin Thomson, said he expected the bust to have a
significant impact on cannabis distribution in the Wellington area.

Police seized more than $50,000 worth of cannabis packaged for sale and
plants worth considerably more, he said.

A 60-litre drum of bagged cannabis was found in the Otaihanga house.
Medium-sized growing operations were discovered in two Kilbirnie houses and
a smaller one in a Lyall Bay house had enough alcohol to suggest it was
making cannabis oil.

A rifle, handgun and ammunition were also found at the hydroponics
business, which is believed to have been operating for 18 months to two years.

The restraining order taken out against the hydroponics company was a
rarity in New Zealand, Mr Thomson said.

"We believe it may be the first time a company has been charged for
cultivation offences under the Misuse of Drugs Act," he said.

The orders mean the official assignee now manages the commercial
hydroponics business and controls the Otaihanga house and bank accounts
until the issues are resolved in court.