Police have recovered 33 mature cannabis plants after a van failed to stop for officers early yesterday morning.

At around 12.30 am, a police unit patrolling Birkenhead noticed a van driving without its headlights on.

When officers signalled for the vehicle to stop, the driver fled.

Inspector Todd Moore-Carter, Acting Waitematā East Area Commander, confirmed that the van eventually stopped, but the driver ran into nearby bush.

Police set up a perimeter, and a dog handler tracked the suspect, who was later located and taken into custody.

A search of the van uncovered 33 mature cannabis plants, which were seized and will be destroyed.

A 40-year-old man has been charged with failing to stop and cultivating cannabis.

He is scheduled to appear in the North Shore District Court.

“This was great work from all police staff involved,” said Inspector Moore-Carter.

“A significant amount of cannabis is now out of the hands of dealers and no longer poses a threat to the community. We will continue to disrupt and prosecute those involved in the manufacture and distribution of illicit substances.”