Police bust indoor cannabis-growing operation

Inspector Naila Hassan said police searched warehouse accommodation on Wordsworth St, Cambridge. Photo / Supplied

Police have found a stash of 500 cannabis plants today in a massive indoor dope-growing operation.

Inspector Naila Hassan said police searched warehouse accommodation on Wordsworth St, Cambridge.

"This led to the discovery of a large commercial indoor cannabis growing operation in which over 500 plants were recovered," Ms Hassan said.

"As a result of this a 23-year-old male was arrested and will be appearing in the Hamilton District Court today facing charges relating to the manufacturing of cannabis oil, cultivation of cannabis, possession of cannabis for supply and the possession of drug related equipment."

Ms Hassan said Western Waikato CIB staff joined Cambridge police to conduct the raid.

Detectives, photographers and forensic analysts joined the operation.

"We hope by highlighting today's success it will further encourage other members of the community to come forward and help us reduce the impact drugs have on our society," Ms Hassan said.

Meanwhile, a 43-year-old Christchurch man was arrested and charged with 15 drug-related offences after a Customs investigation.

Customs said the investigation was launched after officers intercepted drugs, destined for a Christchurch address, at the Auckland International Mail Centre.

Customs staff and local police raided a Spreydon address this morning.

"During the search officers located a small but sophisticated cannabis grow in a wardrobe, a small amount of methamphetamine, some dried cannabis, and methamphetamine and cannabis utensils," Customs said in a statement.

Customs said the man was charged with eight counts of importing Class A drugs, namely methamphetamine and heroin, and four counts of importing MDMA powder and pills, which were Class B drugs.

He was also charged with cultivating cannabis, possessing Class A and Class C drugs, and possessing drug utensils.Customs said the man was in custody and would appear in Christchurch District Court this afternoon.