Police across Auckland executed over 30 search warrants, targeting a large organised crime group involved in illegal cannabis cultivation across residential properties.

The multi-district operation, spanning Counties Manukau, Auckland City, and Waitemata, led to the seizure of a substantial quantity of cannabis and the arrest of 11 individuals.

The raids uncovered 3,385 cannabis plants at different growth stages and an additional 48 kilograms of dried cannabis, with an estimated total value of $18 million.

Acting Detective Inspector Greg Brand noted that the group was running sophisticated indoor growing operations in rented homes, altering properties with dangerous electrical setups to support their cultivation systems.

“These syndicates are well connected to gangs, and this cannabis is a large source of income for their illegal operations,” he said.

The investigation found that the majority of those arrested were in New Zealand illegally.

Following police coordination with Immigration New Zealand, 11 Vietnamese nationals were deported back to Vietnam.

Authorities are using intelligence from this operation to explore additional leads, and further arrests are possible.

Acting Detective Inspector Brand highlighted the similar nature of recent drug operations in Australia, where syndicates, primarily of Vietnamese descent, were also running large-scale indoor cannabis farms.

"These operations can look innocuous to neighbours but are capable of producing significant amounts of cannabis,” he said.

Police are reminding landlords to remain vigilant, particularly regarding rental inspections, and to conduct thorough tenant vetting.

Coasties are also urged to stay alert for unusual signs, such as deliveries of gardening supplies in bulk or tampered electricity meters.

Anyone with information on suspected illegal activities is encouraged to contact Police on 105, or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 0800 555 111.