KEY POINTS:
West Coast police say they are surprised at the large number of cannabis plants located this year during a six-day recovery operation.
Up to 19 police and 11 air force staff using an Iroquois helicopter found and destroyed about 6500 cannabis plants during the anti-drugs operation just concluded -- 1500 more plants than usually recovered in a growing season.
Operation head Sergeant Russell Glue, of Hokitika police, said plants were detected throughout the whole of the West Coast, from Karamea south.
"We're pretty thrilled with the results, but surprised as well," Mr Glue told NZPA today.
"They were all over the place, the entire length of the West Coast ... anywhere and everywhere."
Mr Glue said a large number of cannabis plants were found south of Ross this year.
Police recovered a quantity of Class B drugs, which were being analysed, and eight guns during the operation.
A number of search warrants were executed.
More than 20 people were facing drug-related charges, mostly for cultivating cannabis and possessing the class C drug, and some would be charged with dealing in class B drugs.
Mr Glue said they would be appearing in Greymouth and Westport district courts over the next few weeks.
- NZPA
