Police shut down one of Auckland's largest cannabis syndicates, 12 arrested

Author: Herald Reporters,
Publish Date: Tue, 25 Aug 2026, 2:07pm

Police have arrested 12 people following a long-running investigation into an Auckland cannabis growth syndicate. Photo / NZ Police

One of Auckland’s largest cannabis grow house syndicates has been shut down after a 10-month investigation into a Vietnamese organised criminal group.

With the support of Immigration New Zealand and New Zealand Customs, police arrested 12 people connected to the illicit drug operation.

Police say the National Organised Crime Group led Operation Blackout, uncovering what they allege was a complex network of cannabis grow houses operating in homes across south, east and western suburbs in the country’s biggest city.

Detective Senior Sergeant John Brunton said the organised criminal group was operating on a larger scale than grow houses typically caught in routine policing.

“We have deliberately taken the time to investigate the syndicate’s activities and build a picture of its network, which we will allege is one of the largest of its kind.“

Police targeted properties across suburban Auckland late last week, executing 19 search warrants in Flat Bush, Howick, Sylvia Park, Wiri and Massey, with a dozen arrests over two days.

The warrants led to the seizure of $1.25 million in cannabis cultivation equipment, $80,000 in cash, a pistol, ammunition, multiple large bags of MDMA, and 35kg of cannabis.

More than five tonnes of cannabis material was seized from 50 rental properties over the lengthy investigation.

“Police have been working closely with a range of agencies as part of the investigation, learning more about the syndicate’s criminal activities,” Brunton said.

“This includes allegations of supplying cannabis cultivation equipment, cannabis cultivation and money laundering.”

Dozens of charges have been laid, including six against a Flat Bush man police allege was the kingpin of the sophisticated syndicate.

The 36-year-old appeared in Manukau District Court on August 20 and will reappear in November.

He faces charges including participating in an organised criminal group, money laundering, supplying equipment used in cannabis cultivation and possession of cannabis for supply.

Charges for participation in an organised criminal group, money laundering and drug offences have been laid against another nine men and two women.

“This is a fantastic result and sends a strong message to any syndicates operating – we are watching,” Brunton said.

“Police are closely working across other law enforcement and government agencies to target syndicates involving themselves in this sort of criminal offending.”

Eleven Vietnamese nationals described as “crop sitters” have been deported since the bust, with a further five still in the country for prosecution.

Detective Senior Sergeant Brunton said police were continuing to work with Immigration New Zealand in relation to the five.