Sixteen arrests after 14 cannabis grow houses busted: 'Packed to the brim'

Sixteen people have been arrested as part of a sting on a "well organised, significant and well-resourced grow operation" across 14 <a href="https://www.1news.co.nz/2026/07/05/the-red-flags-landlords-should-look-for-when-vetting-tenants/">properties</a> in Rotorua all linked to the same criminal network. Bay of Plenty Field Crime Manager Detective Inspector Lindsay Pilbrow said the operation shut down 14 grow houses in Rotorua, removing up to $6.5 million worth of cannabis from the black market, and resulting in the arrest of 16 people. Five residential properties, 21 bank accounts and two vehicles have been restrained under the Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Act. "Of the 16 Vietnamese nationals arrested, 14 are facing charges relating to the cannabis growing setup and associated offences. Two were arrested in relation to Immigration Act Offences," said Pilbrow.