A suitcase full of cannabis. Photo: Supplied / New Zealand Police
Three men, including two Vietnamese nationals, have been arrested following an investigation into a nationwide organised cannabis operation.
Police said one of the men was arrested in Picton on Thursday as he walked off the Interislander ferry.
A suitcase, police say belonged to the man, was allegedly full of vacuum-packed cannabis packages.
His Picton home was searched and over $12,000 in cash was found, police said. A BB gun resembling a Glock pistol and a small amount of MDMA was also found.
He appeared in the Blenheim District Court on Friday on a charge of possession of cannabis for supply.
Police also arrested two Vietnamese nationals in Auckland and claimed they had just delivered a suitcase of cannabis to Wellington.
One of the men was in the country illegally, police said.
They believed the men were working with others to grow and deal cannabis in Auckland rental properties.
The pair appeared in Auckland District court on Friday, and police were not ruling out further arrests.
Detective Senior Sergeant Shane Dye said the arrests were the result of an investigation spanning Auckland, Wellington, and Tasman.
"These individuals are significantly modifying rental properties to cultivate cannabis and often with risky electrical installations," he said.
"This type of activity is dangerous and creates a significant fire risk.
Often electricity is being stolen to run these grow operations."
Dye said the properties used by these groups often appear innocent and do not attract the attention of neighbours.
Landlords were reminded to be vigilant, ensuring properties were regularly inspected.
Thorough vetting should be undertaken, including getting two forms of photo ID and sighting the original documents, police said.
"If you see suspicious activity, such as large deliveries of fertiliser bags being dropped off without any corresponding gardening occurring, or signs that an electricity meter has been tampered with, please contact police."
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