Police destroy record amount of cannabis

Unloading the RNZAF helicopter in Central District.

New Zealand Police seized and destroyed approximately 141,000 cannabis plants during the 2008/2009 National Cannabis and Crime Operation (NCCO) – the highest number in ten years.

Police also arrested over 1100 people involved in the commercial cultivation and distribution of cannabis during this year’s operation, says Detective Senior Sergeant Scott McGill, PNHQ.

The total number of cannabis plants destroyed during 2008/2009 increased by 17,000 plants from 2007/2008 and also exceeded the results of the last ten years.

“This can be directly attributed to enhanced intelligence collection and the good flying weather,” says Scott.

Operation Kristy carried out during the 2008/2009 growing season resulted in the:

• destruction of approximately 141,000 cannabis plants
  
• arrest of 1125 offenders
  
• seizure of 191 firearms
  
• recovery of an estimated $400,000 worth of stolen property
  
• location of four methamphetamine laboratories.

An officer at Ruapehu walking another load back to the helicopter. Photos: Detective Sergeant Scott McGill

During the operation more than 820 searches were conducted, leading to a record number of arrests, firearms seizures and a large amount of stolen property recovered, demonstrating that the NCCO, is a ‘whole of crime’ operation targeting those that cultivate, distribute and use cannabis as the gateway drug to other criminal activities.

Based on the recently developed New Zealand Drug Harm Index the total potential socio-economic harm to the community prevented by police from the destroyed cannabis plants and dry plant material is estimated at more than $379 million (based on a conservative yield of 8oz of cannabis per plant).

“These results demonstrate the commitment made by respective police district management and the dedication of police staff around the country to the NCCO.

“Members of the public also make a major contribution to the success of these operations by providing invaluable information each year that leads to plots being located and offenders arrested.”

Planning for next year’s operation has begun. Police intends to continue its efforts to reduce the availability of cannabis and associated drugs within New Zealand, resulting in safer communities, says Scott.