Man arrested after police find illegal cannabis operation in Roxburgh, Otago

A man has been arrested after police discovered an active cannabis operation at a Central Otago house.

A police search at a Roxburgh house on January 17 led to the discovery of five indoor tents which contained 12 mature cannabis plants, Sergeant Adam Elder said.

A man was arrested after police discovered an illegal cannabis operation in Roxburgh, Central Otago. Photo / Police

“Alongside the plants, a quantity of already dried-out cannabis was located packaged, which police will allege was ready for distribution.”

Police also found and seized three high-powered air rifles at the address, which the man was not allowed to possess.

A man was arrested after police discovered an illegal cannabis growing operation in Roxburgh, Central Otago. Photo / Police

A 55-year-old man was charged with possession of cannabis for supply, cultivating cannabis, and possessing equipment to cultivate cannabis, and is due to reappear in the Alexandra District Court on Thursday.

In another search at a different Roxburgh property that day, police found a “large amount” of drug paraphernalia in a house bus.

Elder said it included items believed to be used for smoking methamphetamine, and police inquiries were ongoing.

“Police have been and will continue to work hard to identify and locate those involved in the illegal supply of drugs, and work with our community to address the underlying drivers of demand,” he said.

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