A "sophisticated" criminal syndicate run by Vietnamese and Cambodian nationals in Wellington has been busted following a joint operation by the police and Immigration New Zealand.
Investigators found two properties, located in Wellington and Kapiti, had been set up as "sophisticated cannabis growing houses" also found $15,000 in cash at a third property.
Detective Senior Sergeant Tim Leitch said the properties were capable of producing large quantities of cannabis to sell.
Three people will appear in Wellington District Court next week jointly charged with cultivating cannabis and participating in an organised criminal group.
Leitch said two people will be deported as a result of the operation but warned more people face potential deportation.
"These groups are highly organised and spend significant effort and expense operating under the radar in rented residential homes across our towns and cities," he said.
"When they eventually move on, they often leave the houses with extensive damage and unpaid rent."
Immigration New Zealand's Stephanie Greathead said the operation emphasises the importance for migrants to be aware of people who would seek to exploit their immigration status.
"If you are being asked to pay large sums of money to offshore agents to travel and work in New Zealand, it is highly likely that this is part of a fraudulent scam," she warned.
Leitch said the operation serves as a stark reminder that police will continue to investigate criminal groups who seek to enrich themselves through commercial cannabis cultivation.
Police said this operation bears similarities to another Vietnamese-run operation busted earlier in December, which saw between $16-$25 million dollars worth of cannabis removed and $100,000 in cash seized.
Inquiries are ongoing to determine any link between the two operations, he said.
Anyone with information about suspected money laundering or drug dealing in their community can contact police or Crime Stoppers.
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