Couple's home forfeited over drugs charges

A sophisticated drug growing operation has led to a Rotorua couple losing their home. File photo / NZ Herald

A Rotorua couple's home has been seized after police found a sophisticated drug growing operation in the internal garage.

John McInally Sharp, 41, and his partner Melanie Jane Rolfe, 38, had both pleaded guilty to drugs charges.

In the High Court at Rotorua today, Justice Mark Woolford ordered the couple's home to be forfeited to the Crown as part of their sentence.

Sharp was also sentenced to eight months home detention and 200 hours of community work. Rolfe was placed on supervision for nine months.

In the Rotorua District Court in March, Rolfe admitted a charge of allowing her home to be used for cultivating cannabis in 2009 and 2010. A charge of cultivating cannabis was dropped.

Sharp had pleaded guilty to charges of cultivating cannabis, supplying cannabis and possession for supply.

Sharp had made $20,000 from drug sales and the cannabis he was growing would be worth more than $100,000, police said.

After today's sentencing, Bay of Plenty police said the forfeiture of the couple's home should send a clear message to drug offenders of what they faced if they dealt in drugs.

Detective Sergeant Ryan Yardley from the Tauranga police said when the couple's home was searched last August police found a sophisticated indoor cannabis growing operation and recovered 80 cannabis plants.

An internal garage used as a growing room was lined with reflective film which insulated the room and reflected light.

A fan was controlled by a temperature gauge and a large industrial air filter helped eliminate the smell of cannabis, to avoid detection by neighbours.

"This crop of cannabis alone would cause between $53,000 and $106,100 of harm to the community based on the drug harm index,'' said Mr Yardley.

"Cannabis continues to be the most highly abused illicit drug in this country and as such has a huge financial and social impact on the community,'' he said.

Mr Yardley said under the Sentencing Amendment Act properties used as instruments of crime could be forfeited.

"Offenders need to be aware that when they become involved in the illicit drugs trade they risk not only the losing their freedom but the loss of their homes and property as well.''

He said the couple was prosecuted after police received information from the community and that was crucial in tackling people involved in the illicit drugs trade.

- NZPA