Title: Police target cannabis operations

NZ Police seized and destroyed approximately 141,000 cannabis plants during the 2008/09 National Cannabis and Crime Operation - the highest number in 10 years.

Police also arrested over 1100 people involved in the commercial cultivation and distribution of cannabis during this year's operation, says Detective Senior Sergeant Scott McGill from Police National Headquarters.

Mr McGill said the total number of cannabis plants destroyed during 2008 /2009 increased by 17,000 plants from 2007/2008 and also exceeded the results of the last 10 years. This can be directly attributed to enhanced intelligence collection and the good flying weather.

Operation KRISTY carried out during the 2008 - 2009 growing season resulted in:

* approx 141,000 plants destroyed
* 1125 offenders arrested
* 191 firearms seized
* estimated $400,000 stolen property recovered
* 4 Methamphetamine Laboratories located

During the operation over 820 searches were conducted, leading to a record number of arrests, firearms seizures and a large amount of stolen property recovered demonstrating that the National Cannabis Crime Operation is a "whole of crime" operation targeting those that cultivate, distribute and use cannabis as the gateway drug to other criminal activities.

Based on the recently developed New Zealand Drug Harm Index the total potential socio-economic harm to the community prevented by Police from the destroyed cannabis plants and dry plant material is estimated at $379,024,920 (based on a conservative yield of 8oz of cannabis per plant).

Mr McGill said "the results show the commitment and dedication that Police staff around the country have to reducing the harmful effects of illicit drugs in our community".

Members of the public also make a major contribution to the success of these operations by providing invaluable information each year that leads to plots being located and offenders arrested."

Planning for next years operation has begun. Public with information about Cannabis cultivation are encouraged to contact their local Police station in confidence. "Police intend to continue their efforts to reduce the availability of cannabis and associated drugs within New Zealand, resulting in safer communities", says Mr McGill.

ENDS

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