Tourism promoter keeps cannabis bunker at home

Blair Graham

A man who until recently was responsible for promoting Rotorua as a tourist destination has admitted growing cannabis in a sophisticated underground bunker.

Blair Harvey Graham, 34, was convicted of cultivating cannabis after pleading guilty in the Rotorua District Court yesterday.

A charge of possessing cannabis for supply was dropped by police, as were cannabis charges laid against his wife, Lian Muriel Graham, 41.

Graham's conviction comes two months after he resigned as the conference and incentive manager for Destination Rotorua Tourism Marketing.

About 80 cannabis plants of varying maturity were found at the couple's Tauranga Direct Rd property in April, a police summary of facts stated.

Rotorua police were first called to the property on April 6 in response to a burglary. Officers found a large quantity of dried cannabis had been stolen from the basement of the house.

Police returned to the property the next day and discovered a bunker underneath the garage. A huge hole had been dug to accommodate a 6m-long shipping container, which had been covered by a layer of concrete. Inside, police found 28 small cannabis plants and 48 plants nearing maturity.

A further six plants were being used for cuttings. Fifteen planter bags filled with potting mix were being used to transplant seedlings.

Other items found inside the bunker included digital scales and 25 snaplock plastic bags. A large fan had been installed to circulate air .

According to the police summary of facts, the cannabis operation had already gone through a couple of cycles.

Police estimated the operation had the potential to generate $114,000, if the cannabis was sold.

In convicting Graham, Judge Chris McGuire indicated he faced a lengthy jail term. However, Graham's lawyer, Simon Lance, suggested his client would be an appropriate candidate for home detention.

Judge McGuire remanded Graham on bail and ordered him to reappear for sentencing on July 22.

- NZPA