Forty eight people throughout the top of the South Island are to face drugs charges as a result of a major cannabis recovery operation.
This year more than 5000 plants were recovered, along with a further 17 kilograms of dried plant material. Firearms, ammunition and cash were also seized.
Operation commander Sergeant Rob Crawford says there was a significant increase in plants found in Marlborough, particularly in the Havelock and Wairau Valley areas this season.
He says the plants were also in much better condition than those found the previous season, most likely due to more favourable growing conditions through the summer.
