Police officers unload cannabis from an Air Force Iroquois at Okato during the start of the annual cannabis recovery operation in February

An estimated $20 million in social harm has been saved as police in the Central District swoop on more than 6000 cannabis plants.

Operation Jasmin, the annual crime and cannabis programme, netted 1092 plants in Taranaki during the aerial recovery phase and a further 3083 in the wider district this year.

Police found 2474 more plants when they carried out search warrants.

The operation began with intelligence gathering and ias followed by a aerial recovery phase using air force helicopters to winch police down into cannabis plots.

Taranaki area commander Inspector Keith Borrell said the illegal drug trade remained a focus for police.

"People commit dishonesty offences to obtain money to purchase cannabis," Borrell said.

Operation co-ordinator Senior Constable Dave Kirk said illegal drugs caused millions of dollars in social harm and police would continue to disrupt growers and dealers.

"While over the past few years we have seen a gradual decrease in the number of plants recovered in the district, we hope this is a sign that people are thinking twice before they engage in criminal activity and risk everything," Kirk said.

Cannabis crops were located in 94 plots and 163 offenders were arrested, resulting in 214 charges ranging from cultivation and supply of cannabis and other drug charges.

Police also seized 156 kilograms of dried cannabis, 17 firearms, 52 ecstasy tablets, 16 LSD tabs, and 52 grams of methamphetamine, Kirk said.

He thanked the public for the important role they played in getting illegal drugs off the streets.

"By working together we can successfully prevent organised crime networks operating in our communities and hold those responsible to account for their illicit and harmful actions."

Police urged anyone with information about drug crime to contact their nearest station or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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