A three-day operation targeting cannabis cultivation has revealed about 2400 plants - believed to be the largest cannabis haul in Hawke's Bay.

A helicopter and fixed-wing plane were used for aerial searches in Operation Amanda - part of a national cannabis recovery operation - from March 28 to 30.

 

 

 

Detective Wayne Steed said police uncovered one plot of about 1000 mature plants ready for harvest at Gwavas Forest. Police spent a day removing the plants and destroying them. Rain prevented the helicopter from spraying the plants, he said.

Otane locals reported seeing the helicopter flying low over the town on the operation's last day.

 

"We had police spotting cannabis plants from the air and used information from the public," Mr Steed said.

Police made 12 arrests as a result of the operation. Half of those arrested were in connection with the commercial cultivation of cannabis.

"It was a very successful operation, especially finding the large plantation in the Gwavas Forest," Mr Steed said. While no-one has yet been charged with the Gwavas haul, equipment stored at the site was seized.

"Finding and destroying this large number of plants will hopefully put a dent in this illegal trade," Mr Steed said. 

 

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