Notes

Contents: 1. Introduction : nuns, charlatans and fools -- 2. Early days : chicken-shit, sinsemill and Massey students -- 3. Helicopter cannabis recovery : possums, Heath Robinson and Huey -- 4. Headquarters gets involved : Biggles, bean-counters and Dutchie -- 5. Accidents : broken helicopters, close calls and tragedy -- 6. Spraying : DEA, plonkers and the Dalek -- 7. Operations : Rastas, Rambo and ragwort -- 8. More tales from Coromandel : Horry, Ohu and Bombi -- 9. Island of little dragons : tuatara, mutton birds and Freddie -- Undercover agents : Poppyman, Pyramid and Mexicalli -- 11. War stories : not so bright, Jack Flash and Tea Bag -- 12. SAS involvement : nudists, rock hounds and Morse code -- 13. Cannabis analysis : THC, guinea pig and Murderers Track -- 14. The future : lime, gangs and camaraderie

Summary: This book covers the early history of cannabis in New Zealand from its cultivation as a useful medicinal herb, to how it became a prohibited plant and eventually the mainstay of organised criminal enterprises. It describes the early use of cannabis by artists, and jazz musicians with their bohemian lifestyle ... It follows the efforts of the police to combat the cultivation and the use of cannabis ... some major police operations, interesting and sometimes amusing incidents. (Jacket flap)