Hot tip leads to bust

BY NICOLA WILLIAMS

A new confidential crime line is living up to its name.

A tip-off on the Crimestoppers phone line led to Howick police arresting and charging five people after an early morning drug bust on Friday.

Police executed a search warrant at a property between Beachlands and Omana beach after the tip-off was received about two weeks ago.

The phone line was launched last month allowing the public to provide information to the police with guaranteed anonymity.

Three male flatmates - two aged 21 and one aged 20 - and two females aged 20 were arrested when police found 88 cannabis plants and nine cannabis seedlings.

"It was a rude awakening for them but I don't think they were surprised," says sergeant Tony Curry.

"One's an electrician and one's a builder so they have all the skills they need to do this.

"The wiring is quite professionally done and has its own circuit board."

It was a well-set up permanent operation which had already produced a harvest with potential for producing and selling vast quantities, Mr Curry says.

Also found were two imitation rifles, a pistol, cash, more than four grams of cannabis and lots of small plastic bags, providing evidence the drugs were intended for supply.

Mr Curry says one of the men admitted to selling the drug.

The landlords of the property live overseas.

The five flatmates are due to appear in Manukau District Court tomorrow charged with cultivating cannabis and possession with intent to supply.

All their names were on the property lease and are all responsible for having cannabis on the premises, Mr Curry says.

He says police take a zero tolerance approach to drugs.

The bust was led by Beachlands constable Richard Davies with the Howick tactical crime unit.

Area commander inspector Jason Hewett says the increase in drug busts in the area is part of a renewed focus and addressing drugs is one of his top priorities while in the position.

Mr Hewett says Crimestoppers has proved a brilliant way to obtain information from the public.

"It's completely independent of police and is a way of passing on information confidentially.

"It's a fantastic additional resource.

"We would like people to come forward to us with information but if they would prefer they can use Crimestoppers."

He says the community has a part to play in helping combat drugs.

"We can't deal with what we don't know about."

Call Crimestoppers on 0800-555-111.

- © Fairfax NZ News