Hawke's Bay Police have uncovered two large cannabis indoor-growing operations and seized a haul of property stolen in recent rural burglaries.
Police searched three properties in Hastings and one each in Havelock North and Napier today as part of a planned operation targeting cannabis growers and stolen property. The indoor cannabis operations were found in two flats that were part of a block of five in Park Rd, Hastings. Around 150 cannabis plants were found there.
A 51-year-old Hastings man was been arrested and charged with drug offences and theft of power. Police expect more arrests to follow.
Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Darren Pritchard of the Organised Crime Group said a large amount of property was found in the garage of a Havelock North house. The power tools, equipment, sports gear, bikes and other items had all been stolen in a spate of rural burglaries recently around Pakowhai, Tomoana Rd and on the outskirts of Havelock North.
"We have had the owners of the property identify their items today, which has been a great relief to them and to us," Mr Pritchard said. Arrests are pending regarding that property.
