'Operation Linda' busts cannabis operations

File photo / Northern Advocate

Police say 11 people are facing drug-related charges following Operation Linda, a drug bust in the midst of the cannabis growing season.

About 50 police staff executed 15 search warrants in Masterton, south Wairarapa, Upper Hutt and Wellington, recovering several hundred thousand dollars worth of cannabis.

They also seized more than 700 cannabis plants, through ground warrants and aerial recovery, Detective Sergeant Rob Rackliff of Wairarapa CIB said.

The operation was part of a national cannabis and crime initiative dubbed Operation Linda, to target organised crime and those involved in the cultivation, distribution and supply of cannabis, he said.

Mr Rackliff said the 11 people arrested included two women and nine men, aged between 18 and 59 years of age, on a raft of charges including cultivation of cannabis, possession of cannabis and possession for supply of cannabis.

"Police will continue to crack down on organised crime, including the cultivation of cannabis and those involved in this anti-social behaviour can expect to be caught," he said.

- NZPA