Another cannabis grow house found on Auckland's North Shore

Police and staff from the Organised Financial Crime Agency New Zealand (OFCANZ) are examining another property believed to have been used as a cannabis grow-house on Auckland's North Shore.

This follows the arrest of 11 people over the last week alleged to have been involved in a methamphetamine smuggling ring from Canada and cannabis growing syndicate on the North Shore.

Operation Express has already identified five properties on the North Shore where large scale cultivation of cannabis was underway.

Following yesterday's publicity a landlord has notified police about a further property in the Bayview/Glenfield area which is also believed to have been used by the syndicate.

OFCANZ Taskforce Leader Detective Inspector Alistair Murray says there may still be further properties used by the syndicate in the North Shore which have yet to come to the attention of the investigation team.

"I urge landlords to be vigilant in checking their rental properties" he said.

"In this case the landlord went to inspect their property after rent payments were missed. While the tenants had abandoned the property, it still had cannabis plants present and thousands of dollars worth of damage had occurred in the house.

"It is important that landlords carry out regular checks on their rental properties, carry out appropriate reference checks on prospective tenants and listen to any concerns which neighbours may raise about tenants." said Mr Murray.

Tell-tale signs of illicit cannabis growing at a property include:

• Distinctive smells coming from the property
• Residents increasing fence heights
• Curtains closed day and night
• Shed and garage windows being blocked out
• Bright lights on constantly or at strange times
• Sounds of fans continually running
• Vehicles and people visiting hours at all hours of the days

If you have information about drug cultivation, manufacture or supply rings please contact your local police station. Alternatively information can be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Operation Express began in December 2012 and is a joint investigation involving staff from OFCANZ, New Zealand Police and the New Zealand Customs Service working in partnership with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police

ENDS

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