Over 100 arrests in BOP cannabis bust

Police made more than 100 arrests and seized firearms, several thousand cannabis plants and some methamphetamine in a major Bay of Plenty operation over the past two weeks.

The firearms included pistols, sawn-off shotguns and rifles.

Police used 172 search warrants at properties throughout the district and made 115 arrests.

More than $60,000 of stolen property was recovered, including vehicles, trailers and generators.

The results showed that many people involved in large-scale cannabis cultivation are part of organised criminal networks where cannabis is just part of the picture, said police commissioner Howard Broad.

"Police constantly see the wide-reaching impact of the cannabis trade in their work. This goes beyond the individual user and into other areas of crime such as burglary, stolen cars, intimidation and serious violence including homicide," Mr Broad said.

Cannabis also affected road policing, as people under the influence of the drug had an increased risk of crashes, he said.

"It affects our focus on organised crime, because the two are so interlinked. As long as that focus continues, the distribution of illicit drugs - including cannabis - will be an important part of our work."

More than 1500 children were identified at scenes where cannabis was seized last year, Mr Broad said.

- NZPA