SWITCH OFF, IT'S THE POLICE

Falling short on the 10 per cent power saving target isn't a crime - but it
has led to the arrest of a Rotorua couple.

As the nation struggles to conserve electricity, Rotorua police discovered
that a two-bedroom flat in the suburb of Koutu was using three times more
electricity than a home of its size should need.

Their suspicions aroused, they raided the flat and discovered a
cannabis-growing operation.

"There was 1.6kg of dried cannabis, they had 26 plants growing in the
garage," said Western Heights Community Constable Paul Kirkby.

"They had gas heaters, lighting equipment and a ventilation system set up.
Hence the huge power bill.

"They weren't saving their 10 per cent."

Mr Kirkby said police checked the flat's power bills after a tip that
cannabis might be being grown on the premises.

A 21-year-old man and 32-year-old woman will appear in the Rotorua District
Court on Wednesday charged with drug offences.