In a significant crackdown, police have uncovered cannabis plots worth $15 million across three rural sites in Auckland, destroying approximately 5,450 plants and arresting nine Vietnamese nationals.
Search warrants were executed this week at locations in Āwhitu, Runciman, and Glenbrook under the police investigation dubbed Operation Manta Ray.
Detective Senior Sergeant Simon Taylor, the investigations manager for the Counties Manukau South area, revealed that the illicit growing scheme operated on former market garden sites.
“We believe the setup, particularly in Āwhitu, is likely one of the largest we’ve encountered within the Counties Manukau Police district,” Taylor said. “This enforcement action has caused a considerable dent, undoubtedly impacting organized crime.”
Police are continuing their efforts to dismantle large-scale illicit drug operations like those identified this week. “Large-scale cultivation of drugs is a significant income source for gangs and organized crime groups,” Taylor noted. “We will persist in targeting these operations to disrupt funding for organized crime, which imposes harm on our communities.”
Operation Manta Ray: By the Numbers
The scale of this group’s operation is highlighted by the numbers reported in Operation Manta Ray. In Āwhitu alone, police found over two tonnes of cannabis plants at various stages of maturity and destroyed more than 4,300 plants. In Runciman, over 150 plants were destroyed, and in Glenbrook, more than 1,000 plants were eradicated.
Detective Senior Sergeant Taylor reported that four Vietnamese nationals were arrested in Āwhitu and another five at the Glenbrook site. All the arrested individuals are men aged between 29 and 40. Six of those arrested face charges of cultivating cannabis and appeared before the Pukekohe District Court. Police are also working with Immigration New Zealand regarding the other three individuals detained during the operation.
Taylor commended the efforts of the investigators from Counties Manukau South CIB and acknowledged the support from the Organised Crime Unit, community staff based in Tuakau and Waiuku, and other regional police resources.
“We encourage the community to continue providing information on any concerns they may have,” Taylor urged.
SOURCE:NEWZEALAND POLICE