A massive drug bust has resulted in thousands of cannabis plants being uprooted and seized, dismantling an operation worth up to $15 million concealed in parts of rural southern Auckland.
Police officers carried out search warrants this week at sites in Āwhitu, Runciman and Glenbrook with nine arrests made so far under Operation Manta Ray.
Counties Manukau South Area Investigations Manager Detective Senior Sergeant Simon Taylor said the operation was utilising former sites used as market gardens.
"We believe the set-up, particularly in Āwhitu, is likely one of the largest we have come across within the Counties Manukau Police district.
"This enforcement action has caused a considerable dent and there is no doubt this will have an impact on organised crime as a result."
He said there was a focus on targeting commercial-scale drug operations such as this one.
"Large-scale cultivation of drugs is a large source of income for gangs and organised crime groups.
"We will continue to target such operations given they are funding organised criminal groups' operations, which in turn means harm continues to be imposed on our communities."
Operation Manta Ray found more than two tonnes of cannabis plants in Āwhitu alone.
In total, more than 4300 plants from Āwhitu were destroyed - as well as 150 found in Runciman and over 1000 found in Glenbrook.
Taylor said four Vietnamese nationals were arrested at Āwhitu.
A further five Vietnamese nationals were arrested in Glenbrook.
All those charged are men aged between 29 and 40.
Six of the people arrested are facing charges of cultivating cannabis and are before the Pukekohe District Court.
Taylor acknowledged the work of investigators.
"This week's operation was also ably supported by our Organised Crime Unit, communities staff based in Tuakau and Waiuku, as well as other Police resources from the region," he said.
"We continue to encourage the community to continue providing us [with] this information on any such concerns they may have.
"This can be through regular 105 channels or anonymously through Crime Stoppers."
