Sixteen arrested after cannabis raids in Rotorua and Auckland

Thursday 30 July 2026 · 5 outlets · 4 reports · updated Thu 30 Jul, 10:45am

Police have dismantled a large-scale commercial cannabis operation linked to organised crime following a six-month investigation. The raids, known as Operation Harvey, resulted in 16 arrests and the seizure of up to $6.5 million worth of cannabis from 14 grow houses in Rotorua.

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1. NZ HeraldThu 30 Jul, 9:17am

   Cannabis bust: 16 arrested as $6.5m haul seized in Rotorua, Auckland raids (opens in new tab)

2. StuffThu 30 Jul, 9:54am

   Millions in cannabis seized in Bay of Plenty drug operation (opens in new tab)

3. 1NewsThu 30 Jul, 10:25am

   Sixteen arrests after 14 cannabis grow houses busted: 'Packed to the brim' (opens in new tab)

4. The Post via Waikato TimesThu 30 Jul, 10:45am

   Busted cannabis operation on a scale ‘not seen before’ (opens in new tab)

   Also on Waikato Times (opens in new tab)