A long-running police investigation has shut down one of the largest syndicates allegedly operating and supplying cannabis grow houses across Auckland.
Twelve arrests were made as police descended on the Vietnamese organised criminal group, supported by Immigration New Zealand and New Zealand Customs.
Police say Operation Blackout, led by the National Organised Crime Group, has provided unprecedented insight into the sophisticated criminal operation based out of suburban Auckland.
Police executed 19 search warrants across Auckland late last week nearby Flat Bush and Wiri, as well as Sylvia Park, Howick and Massey.
Detective senior sergeant John Brunton says the investigation went above suburban cannabis grow house operations being uncovered by routine policing operations.
“We have deliberately taken the time to investigate the syndicate’s activities and build a picture of its network, which we will allege is one of the largest of its kind.
“Police have been working closely with a range of agencies as part of the investigation, learning more about the syndicate’s criminal activities.
“This includes allegations of supplying cannabis cultivation equipment, cannabis cultivation and money laundering.”
Police have laid dozens of changes in the investigation. Brunton says a 36-year-old Flat Bush man, who police allege is the king pin of the operation, faces six charges.
Those include participating in an organised criminal group, money laundering, supplying equipment used in cannabis cultivation and possession of cannabis for supply.
The man appeared in the Manukau District Court on August 20 and will reappear in November.
Others allegedly involved in the syndicate, two women and nine men, all face charges relating to participating in an organised criminal group, money laundering and drugs offences.
During search warrants in Auckland, police made seizures including around $1,250,000 worth of cannabis cultivation equipment and $80,000 in cash.
Police also located a pistol and ammunition at a Massey property.
Around 35kg of cannabis and several large bags of MDMA pills were also seized.
“This is a fantastic result and sends a strong message to any syndicates operating – we are watching,” Brunton says.
“Police are closely working across other law enforcement and Government agencies to target syndicates involving themselves in this sort of criminal offending.”
