A massive cannabis seizure worth $270,000 has led to the arrests of eight men across Auckland.
Police from the Auckland CIB,and neighbouring Manukau and Waitemata police districts seized 12.25kg of high grade cannabis and arrested the men yesterday.
They were due to appear in Auckland, Henderson and Manukau District Courts today and over the next week to face a range of charges including possession for supply and cultivation of cannabis.
Yesterday's arrests were the culmination of two months of investigation into organised criminal involvement in the cultivation and distribution of cannabis, police said.
Plants and dried leaf, already packaged for sale, were seized from buildings and private addresses in Te Atatu South, Waitakere, Henderson, Green Bay and Manukau, along with $10,000 cash.
Officer in charge Detective Senior Sergeant Mark McHattie said that about 30 police staff were involved in yesterday's operation which is part of ongoing pressure on organised crime and criminal activity in the region.
NZPA