Man charged over 440 cannabis plants in shipping containers near Whangārei
Police found 370 mature cannabis plants plus 70 seedlings and clones in three shipping containers at Whareora near Whangārei on 11 August 2011, acting on an anonymous Crimestoppers tip. A 45-year-old man was arrested and charged with cultivation; firearms were found at another address linked to him.
An anonymous call to Crimestoppers led police to a property at Whareora, near Whangārei, where officers executed a search warrant on Thursday 11 August 2011.[1][2]Two shipping containers buried underground beneath a poly house held large numbers of cannabis plants, while an eight-metre container above ground near a boundary fence held more plants at various stages of growth alongside other cultivation materials.[1][2]In total police found 370 mature plants plus 70 seedlings and clones.[2]
Arrest and charges
Police arrested a 45-year-old man and charged him with cultivation of cannabis.[1][2]Officers also searched another Whangārei address belonging to him, where they found four unsecured firearms and ammunition.[2]Detective Sergeant Mike Blowers of the Organised Crime Unit said the Crimestoppers information led to the discovery of the plants and the arrest of the offender, and urged anyone with information on criminal activity who wished to stay anonymous to call the number.[1][2]
Case data
Every number and detail the sources state, with the sources that state it.
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