Police raids on Vietnamese-operated cannabis grow houses in Rotorua have been followed by a series of burglaries targeting the same properties, authorities say. The initial law enforcement action, part of a nationwide crackdown on Vietnamese organised crime groups, uncovered significant quantities of cannabis and related equipment in suburban homes.

On July 28, police executed search warrants at 14 addresses in Rotorua, seizing hydroponically grown cannabis valued at approximately NZ$6.5 million, along with seedlings, dried cannabis, and cultivation apparatus such as lights and fans. The operation was part of a larger 10-month investigation that also involved raids in Auckland and the Waikato region.

In the days following the raids, police noted a pattern of local criminals returning to the targeted homes to steal belongings left behind. Detective Sergeant Leonie Smith reported that nine of the 14 properties in Rotorua had been burgled, with some experiencing multiple break-ins. One incident on August 7 saw five individuals apprehended while allegedly in the act of burglary during the night.

At a property on Hamon Place, stolen items included a dryer, washing machine, sofas, and outdoor furniture. Smith indicated that nearly all the furniture from that house was taken. Other disrupted homes suffered thefts of copper piping and building materials.

Police stressed that those involved in the post-raid burglaries were not connected to the Vietnamese organised crime groups targeted in the cannabis operation. “It appears some local criminals became aware of the VOCG warrants and proceeded to burgle these houses searching for leftovers,” Smith said.

One property owner, speaking anonymously due to safety concerns, expressed frustration over the repeated losses. She described enduring the challenges of insurance claims after the cannabis growers “trashed” her home and now facing additional theft.

Authorities have charged five individuals—four men aged between 21 and 35, and a 41-year-old woman—with burglary, while a 29-year-old woman faces charges related to receiving stolen property.

Overall, 14 people have been charged with cultivating cannabis and associated offences as a result of the broader investigation. Most of those charged have been deported, leading to the dismissal of their cases. Police are pursuing legal action against an Auckland man believed to be the ringleader of the operation.

Court documents indicate that proceeds from the cannabis grow houses were laundered through businesses in construction, beauty, and hospitality sectors. The cultivation sites frequently used electricity diverted illicitly from the power grid to operate lighting systems.

The police operation highlighted ongoing efforts to dismantle organised cannabis production networks linked to Vietnamese groups across New Zealand.