Source: Radio New Zealand
Three men in Christchurch were arrested. (File photo) RNZ / Marika Khabazi
Three people have been arrested in Christchurch after allegations of selling cannabis illegally while having a license to cultivate it for medical use.
Police have alleged the trio were working as part of an organised crime group in the area for about five years.
They believed the group were illegally disturbing cannabis in Canterbury under the guise of a medical cannabis license which allowed them cultivated cannabis legally.
One person was arrested during a search warrant on Wednesday and was taken into custody while two others were arrested during prior search warrants throughout this month.
Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Brad Grainger said the medicinal cannabis licensing system existed to support patients who required cannabis-based products for health reasons.
“The alleged actions of these individuals undermines the public trust in that system, and exploits a framework designed to help vulnerable people.”
A 26-year-old man appeared in Christchurch District Court on Wednesday, while a 35-year-old man was due in the same court on December 18.
Both faced charges related to selling cannabis and participation in an organised criminal group.
A 46-year-old man was due to appear in Christchurch District Court on December 2, charged with failing to carry out obligations in relation to a computer search.
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
