Fleeing driver leads Police straight to cannabis growing operation

A driver that fled from Police yesterday (Sunday 3 March) thought he had got away but instead he led officers straight to an indoor cannabis growing operation.

Highway Patrol Officers were alerted to a speeding driver on Highway 56, near Rangiotu at around 5pm yesterday evening. The driver of the vehicle and sole occupant was a 38-year-old Himatangi man. Officers detected the vehicle exceeding the speed limit and signalled to the man to pull over however he fled from them in his vehicle.

Officer in Charge of the Central District Highway Patrol, Senior Sergeant Kris Burbery says: "Officers tracked the man to a rural property and upon arrival they detected a strange smell lingering around the house. After carrying out a search of the house officers discovered an indoor cannabis growing operation."

Police located over 70 cannabis plants spread across three rooms of the house. Several of these plants were ready for harvesting.

"This is a positive outcome not only for Police but for the community as these drugs will not be making it to the streets to cause harm," says Senior Sergeant Burbery.

The man is facing charges in relation to the cultivation of cannabis and possession of equipment to cultivate cannabis.

He is appearing in the Palmerston North District Court today.

When cannabis is being grown inside buildings there are tell-tale signs for the public and landlords to look out for.

• 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.

ENDS

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