Armed raid seizes 89 cannabis plants

During a raid at a North Canterbury home on Monday, armed police seized almost 100 cannabis plants and a stolen ute.

A 45-year-old Waiau man is facing cannabis cultivation charges and and charges related to the stolen Toyota double-cab ute, after police and members of the armed offenders squad searched a Montrose St, Waiau, residence.

The sting is part of an operation in North Canterbury targeting burglaries and the movement of stolen property in the district.

Sergeant Graeme Crossan said police found two people inside the property, which also contained 89 cannabis plants.

The 45-year-old man was arrested and bailed but is expected to appear in court during the next week.

The other occupant was not likely to face charges.

‘‘This is a follow-on from the search warrants around North Canterbury we have been doing for the last three weeks or so, in relation to burglaries and stolen vehicles around the district,’’ Crossan said.

On July 17, three North Canterbury police raids unearthed drugs and thousands of dollars of stolen property.

Crossan said the operation included the arrest of an individual who is facing 15 to 20 drug-related and burglary charges.

‘‘We are just working to pick up those people that are preying on the innocent,’’ Crossan said.