Two men charged with cultivating drugs

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TWO men have been charged with cultivating a drug of dependence after Gisborne police searched two separate properties last week.

A Riddells Creek man, 58, was charged with cultivating and trafficking in cannabis, while a 31-year-old Darraweit Guim man was charged with cultivating cannabis, trafficking in cannabis and methyl-amphetamines, and theft of power.

Investigators also discovered cannabis hydroponic systems at both addresses.

Hydroponic systems are a method of growing cannabis using water as the primary medium.

Sergeant Scott Murray, of Gisborne police, said it was an ongoing investigation.

“The theft of power would require a lot of electricity knowledge, and it would acquire a huge rise in power bills for the person they were stealing it from,” Sgt Murray said.

“If it was a commercial address, they wouldn’t know, the offenders could run a bypass and it would bypass the metre and rob the power company.

“We’re waiting to receive information, it’s an ongoing investigation and we have to do a lot more work to confirm the charges.”

Both men will appear at Kyneton Magistrates Court at a later date.