Auckland Police have seized close to 500 cannabis plants following a targeted operation aimed at disrupting organised criminal activity across several suburbs.
The operation, known as Operation Green, was carried out on Tuesday, with officers executing four search warrants at residential properties in Hillsborough, New Windsor, Mount Roskill, and Mount Albert.
Acting Senior Sergeant Corey Foster of Auckland City West Police said the operation focused on shutting down organised cultivation networks operating within the community.
“As a result, Police located and dismantled several sophisticated indoor cultivation setups, seizing approximately 486 cannabis plants in varying sizes, along with associated equipment,” Foster said.
The indoor growing systems were described as advanced, indicating a level of organisation and investment consistent with commercial-scale drug production.
Police say the seizure is a significant step in preventing profits from being funnelled into wider criminal networks.
“By locating and seizing these cannabis plants, we have prevented them receiving payment that would have gone to fund a range of organised criminal activity in our community,” Foster said.
Authorities believe operations like these are often linked to broader offending, including drug distribution and other illegal activities.
Despite the scale of the operation, no arrests have been made at this stage. However, police say investigations are ongoing and further action has not been ruled out.
Foster expressed hope that the outcome of the operation would reassure the public that police are actively targeting organised crime groups.
Police also acknowledged the role played by members of the public in providing information that contributed to the operation.
“We would like to thank the community for their support and the information provided regarding illegal operations occurring in their area,” Foster said.
Authorities are continuing to encourage anyone with concerns or information about suspicious activity to come forward.
Information can be reported online or by calling 105, or anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
Police say they will continue operations targeting organised crime and illegal drug production across Auckland, with a focus on reducing harm and protecting communities from the impact of such activities.
