An alleged Vietnamese cannabis syndicate in Auckland has been shut down, with 12 people being arrested.
Police described the organisation as “one of the largest syndicates” operating and supplying cannabis grow houses in Auckland.
Officers executed 19 raids in Flat Bush, Howick, Sylvia Park, Wiri, and Massey as part of the operation late last week. Police were supported by Immigration NZ and Customs.
The alleged kingpin, a 36-year-old Flat Bush man, was among those arrested.
During the raids, officers seized around $1.25 million worth of cannabis cultivation equipment and $80,000 in cash.
A pistol and ammunition were found at one Massey property, with around 35kg of cannabis and “several large bags” of MDMA pills also seized.
The alleged kingpin faced six charges, including participating in an organised criminal group, money laundering, supplying equipment used in cannabis cultivation and possession of cannabis for supply.
He appeared in the Manukau District Court on August 20 and was due to reappear in November.
Two women and nine men also arrested faced charges relating to participating in an organised criminal group, money laundering and drug offences.
Detective Senior Sergeant John Brunton said the 10-month investigation went beyond cannabis grow operations found in houses.
“We have deliberately taken the time to investigate the syndicate’s activities and build a picture of its network, which we will allege is one of the largest of its kind.
“Police have been working closely with a range of agencies as part of the investigation, learning more about the syndicate’s criminal activities.
“This includes allegations of supplying cannabis cultivation equipment, cannabis cultivation and money laundering.”
Across the whole investigation, more than five tonnes of cannabis material was seized across 50 rental properties.
Eleven Vietnamese nationals, who police described as “crop sitters”, have been deported.
“Five further crop-sitters remain in New Zealand pending prosecution. Police continue to work with Immigration New Zealand through this process.”
Brunton called last week’s busts a “fantastic result” that sent a message to operating syndicates.
“We are watching,” he said.
“Police are closely working across other law enforcement and government agencies to target syndicates involving themselves in this sort of criminal offending.”
