Pubdate: Fri, 11 Aug 2000
Source: Evening Post (New Zealand)
Copyright: Wellington Newspapers (2000) Ltd.
Contact:  http://www.evpost.co.nz/
Author: Mark Stevens

HUGE CANNABIS HAUL IN WELLINGTON SUBURB

Wellington police uncovered a big cannabis-growing operation in suburban 
Johnsonville today.

Detective Sergeant Max Taylor said more than 100 plants were found when 
police searched the tenanted Monowai Rd house this morning. The 
well-maintained house, with a landscaped garden, had an overwhelming smell 
of cannabis. Mr Taylor estimated the haul would have a street value of 
about $250,000.

A man understood to have lived alone at the address has been arrested and 
charged with possession of cannabis, possession for supply and cultivating 
cannabis.

Mr Taylor said the same house was searched in May, when other tenants 
rented it. A similar but lower-scale operation was found then. Today's 
operation followed a three-day investigation. Inquiries were continuing and 
further arrests were possible.

Neighbours were stunned by the bust. "He was just your normal neighbour; Mr 
Nice Guy," one said.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart