Blazing operation yields 2000 plants

Police seized over 2000 cannabis plants. Photo / iStock

Wellington Police have found more than 2000 cannabis plants and seized a significant amount of P and cannabis over the past four months in an operation which targeted drug dealers and suppliers in the region.

Police also seized synthetic drug Alpha PVP, 20 firearms, a number of houses, several vehicles and more than $170,000 in cash during the operation in which 40 search warrants were issued around the Wellington region.

Police also arrested 79 people, including 12 gang members or associates who were facing charges including supplying and offering to supply methamphetamine and cannabis, cultivating cannabis, importing Alpha PVP and unlawful possession of firearms.

Detective Senior Sergeant Tim Leitch, head of the Wellington Organised Crime team said while this operation targeted cannabis plants grown around the region, it was also focused on drug suppliers.

"The people who sell drugs from drug dealing addresses, can be assured that police will actively target them and will continue to take action to disrupt their activities and reduce the harm that they cause to the many vulnerable consumers that they peddle their drugs to."

"The harm methamphetamine, cannabis and other drugs cause to our community is significant and many victims are affected by it, this includes not just the user but their families as well," he said.

Police said 17 referrals were also made to Child Youth and Family for the children who lived in drug dealing houses.

Mr Leitch said seizures like this won't reduce the demand for drugs, and encouraged anyone who was struggling with substance abuse to seek help.

"We need to all do our bit to help out those friends and family we know are struggling with the effects and problems that drugs cause.

"One way to do this is to encourage them to seek help and organisations such as the Alcohol and Drug Helpline have trained people that can help you find solutions," he said.

Police encourage anyone with information relating to drugs supply to contact the station or provide information anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.