About 160 police ended a six-month investigation into an organised cannabis syndicate with 23 search warrants across Taupō, Hamilton and Rotorua, arresting 20 people and seizing about 3,450 plants worth some $3.2 million.
🇳🇿 Taupō, Hamilton and Rotorua, North Island · New Zealand
One hundred and sixty police staff executed 23 search warrants at addresses in Taupō, Hamilton and Rotorua, ending a six-month investigation into the sale and supply of cannabis by an organised crime syndicate.[1]Officers arrested 20 people, 12 of whom were remanded in custody, and all were due in Rotorua District Court on charges including cannabis cultivation and supply and participation in an organised criminal group.[1]
Plants, guns and restrained assets
Police seized about 3,450 cannabis plants with a wholesale value of about $3.2 million, along with seven firearms including three semi-automatic military-style rifles and one semi-automatic shotgun.[1][2]The Southern Asset Recovery Unit restrained homes, vehicles including classic cars and Harley Davidson motorcycles, a jet ski, jewellery and more than $100,000 in cash.[1][2]
Photos and video
Two motorbikes seized in the Waikato organised-crime raids. Photo: New Zealand PolicePhoto details
Source: New Zealand Police · archived copyTwo motorbikes in a garage seized in the Waikato organised-crime raids. Photo: New Zealand PolicePhoto details
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