Acting Detective Inspector Greg Brand of the Auckland City Police said the arrests come after an investigation across the city targeting a “sophisticated and profit-driven” criminal syndicate.
A total of 3385 cannabis plants - at various stages of growth - were seized and destroyed as a result of the investigation, along with 48kg of dried cannabis.
The estimated total value of the seizures, based on the estimated yield of the plants, is $18 million.
Brand said the organised crime group was using residential properties to set up sophisticated indoor cannabis growing systems.
The majority of those arrested were in New Zealand illegally and as a result, Immigration New Zealand has deported 11 Vietnamese nationals.
“All 11 have left New Zealand and are back in Vietnam,” police said.
Police seized and destroyed 3,385 cannabis plants and 48 kg of dried cannabis after over 30 search warrants across Auckland last week. Photo / NZ Police
Police said inquiries were ongoing utilising intelligence gathered during the operation and police could not rule out the possibility of further arrests.
Brand said the group’s actions mirrored similar operations recently uncovered in Australia where criminal groups - primarily of Vietnamese descent - were running a large number of indoor cannabis growing operations.
”Make no mistake, these syndicates are well connected to gangs and this cannabis is a large source of income for their illegal operations,” Brand said.
He added that often the properties used by these groups would appear innocuous and would not really attract neighbours’ attention, but the operations within are capable of producing large quantities of cannabis to sell.
”These individuals are significantly modifying rental properties to cultivate cannabis with extremely dangerous electrical installations,” Brand said.
Police said the group’s actions mirrored similar operations recently uncovered in Australia where criminal groups - primarily of Vietnamese descent - were running a large number of indoor cannabis growing operations. Photo / NZ Police
All 11 arrested were Vietnam nationals and have since been deported. Photo / NZ Police
”Not only is this extremely dangerous and creates a significant fire risk, we’d estimate millions of dollars worth of electricity is being stolen every year to run these operations.”
Police are working alongside Immigration New Zealand in relation to the foreign nationals involved in this investigation, as they want to ensure migrant communities are kept safe from those who would exploit the conditions of their work visas.
Police reminded landlords to be vigilant when renting out their properties and ensure there are regular property inspections.
The garage at one house was filled with a metre-high pile of cannabis plants. Police were seen putting the plants into a truck waiting in the driveway.
The owner of one of the houses, who wished to remain anonymous, told the Herald he was “shocked” when he received a phone call from police advising him of the cannabis bust.
He said tenants had been residing there for almost half a year – and the property had not been inspected.
Anyone who sees suspicious activity - such as deliveries of Easy Grow and fertiliser bags being dropped off - or signs that an electricity meter has been tampered with, is urged to contact police using the 105 phone service.
Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
If migrant communities are concerned with possible exploitation, they are asked to contact MBIE on 0800 20 90 20.
