<\/p>\n
\nThree men in Christchurch were arrested. (File photo)
\nPhoto: RNZ \/ Marika Khabazi\n<\/p>\n
Three people have been arrested in Christchurch after allegations of selling cannabis illegally while having a license to cultivate it for medical use.<\/p>\n
Police have alleged the trio were working as part of an organised crime group in the area for about five years.<\/p>\n
They believed the group were illegally disturbing cannabis in Canterbury under the guise of a medical cannabis license which allowed them cultivated cannabis legally.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Brad Grainger said the medicinal cannabis licensing system existed to support patients who required cannabis-based products for health reasons.<\/p>\n
“The alleged actions of these individuals undermines the public trust in that system, and exploits a framework designed to help vulnerable people.”<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Both faced charges related to selling cannabis and participation in an organised criminal group.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n