West Coast Police Arrest Two Men in Firearms and Cannabis Operation

Strategic Insights -

Police in the West Coast region have made two arrests as part of a pre-planned operation to shut down a cannabis grow room and recover stolen property. On August 27, police executed two warrants in the Hokitika area and found three firearms, a cannabis grow room, dried cannabis, and stolen property. The operation is a result of good police work earlier in the week, where officers seized over 100 cannabis plants and a firearm in Cobden.

Key Takeaways:

  • Two men, aged 61 and 33, were arrested in Hokitika on August 27 for their involvement in a cannabis grow operation and theft of property.
  • Police executed two warrants as part of a pre-planned operation and found three firearms, a cannabis grow room, dried cannabis, utensils for cannabis and methamphetamine, and stolen property.
  • The operation is a result of good police work earlier in the week, where officers seized over 100 cannabis plants, a firearm, and ammunition in Cobden.
  • The 61-year-old man will appear in Greymouth District Court on September 3 on charges of cultivating and procuring/possessing cannabis, burglary, possession of methamphetamine utensils, receiving stolen property, and possession of restricted weapon.
  • The 33-year-old man will also appear in Greymouth District Court on September 3 on charges of burglary, receiving stolen property, procuring cannabis, and possession of a cannabis utensil.
  • The operation is a continuation of efforts to shut down cannabis grow operations and recover stolen property on the West Coast.
  • Police will continue to work to take more guns off the streets and shut down grow operations.

Statistics:

  • Two men were arrested in the Hokitika area on August 27 for their involvement in a cannabis grow operation and theft of property.
  • Police found three firearms, a cannabis grow room, dried cannabis, and stolen property during the operation.
  • Over 100 cannabis plants were seized by police in Cobden earlier in the week, along with a firearm and ammunition.
  • The 61-year-old man will appear in court on September 3, and the 33-year-old man will also appear on that date.

Sources:

  • "Two men arrested in Hokitika after firearms, cannabis grow room and stolen property found." New Zealand Police Press Release, 2025.