Police drug bust successful in Bay of Plenty

FILE

Police have seized more than 16,600 cannabis plants in the Bay of Plenty as part of nation-wide operation.

Detective senior sergeantt Scott McGill said that during Operation Lucy 105,000 cannabis plants throughout the country were destroyed, 112 firearms seized and 640 suspects arrested.

Police believed the true success of this year's national cannabis operation is not the drugs destroyed, the guns seized or the suspects arrested but rather the harm that has been prevented from occurring in the community.

"The cannabis trade is a destructive force in New Zealand society," Mr McGill said.

"By destroying over 100,000 plants before they were harvested police have prevented significant social damage from occurring in our community."

Mr McGill said the arrest of 64 patched gang members or associates during Operation Lucy showed the strong connection between organised crime and the cannabis trade.

"We are very pleased with the results from this year's operation which show our commitment to restrict the influence of these organised criminal groups."

In addition to the plants and firearms seized an estimated $195,000 of stolen property was recovered.

Mr McGill said that three clan labs were also discovered during Operation Lucy, two in Northland and one in Eastern District.

"The clan labs detected during Operation Lucy show that often organised criminal groups manufacture and supply a range of illegal drugs, "

"Police will continue to work with the public to reduce the harm cannabis and other illicit drugs cause in the community."

"You can report any suspicious activity involving drugs by contacting your local police station or by calling Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."