Seized Barrels Of Cannabis Worth $1000's

[Oz]

A police swoop on a Hawke's Bay property yesterday led to the seizure of several barrels of cannabis with an estimated street value of "several hundred thousand" dollars.

 

The potent cannabis heads were found packed in plastic barrels and hidden in a horse float on the rural property at Fernhill, 10km northwest of Hastings.

 

"It was a substantial haul. We are talking multiple kilos of the stuff here," Detective Senior Sergeant Bill Gregory of the Napier CIB said.

 

The swoop was part of a day-long operation by a 17-strong team of detectives and uniformed police, raiding 10 properties in Napier and its environs.

 

Three men were arrested and charged with cultivation and possession of cannabis for supply after the Fernhill raid, which also found a sum of cash. Eight other people were arrested after nine other properties were searched throughout the day.

 

Two others were charged in connection with the purchase of pseudoephedrine, which is used in the manufacture of methamphetamine drugs like P.

 

Mr Gregory said police were seeking a third member of the buying "group".

 

By NZPA

Date: 07/05/04

Source: New Zealand Herald

Copyright: 2004 New Zealand Herald