Police have charged three people accused of helping run a five-year organised criminal operation that allegedly used a medicinal cannabis licence as cover to illegally distribute cannabis in Canterbury.
Officers executed a search warrant in the Christchurch suburb of Middleton today following an investigation that found a group “operating under the guise of a medicinal cannabis licence” was cultivating cannabis legally but allegedly distributing it illegally.
Individuals were alleged to have acted as part of an organised criminal group.
Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Brad Grainger said the medicinal cannabis licensing system existed to support patients who require cannabis-based products.
“The alleged actions of these individuals undermines the public trust in that system, and exploits a framework designed to help vulnerable people,” he said.
“We continue to ensure medicinal cannabis regulations are upheld and remain determined to target organised criminal activity that seeks to profit from illicit drug distribution harm in our communities.”
One person was arrested during today’s search warrant without incident, while two others were arrested during earlier search warrants this month.
A 35-year-old man was due to reappear in Christchurch District Court on December 18, and a 26-year-old man was due to appear on November 26. Both faced charges relating to selling cannabis and participation in an organised criminal group.
A 46-year-old man was due to appear in Christchurch District Court on December 2, charged with failing to carry out obligations in relation to a computer search.
