Operation Obsidian: Drugs and Organised Crime Targeted in Otara

A Counties Manukau Police operation has terminated this week following a three month investigation into the organised crime and drugs trade in Otara. The operation, known as Operation Obsidian, has resulted in 13 arrests and multiple serious drugs charges around the sale and distribution of various class A and C drugs.

Detective Senior Sergeant Darrell Harpur of Counties Manukau Police East CIB says he expects the operation will have an impact on volume crime such as burglary and car theft.

“Counties Manukau Police will continue to crack down on drug dealing houses and the criminals who run to disrupt organised crime groups, which typically involve themselves in volume crime and the trade of stolen goods,” he says. “The thirteen arrests will significantly affect these groups and have a genuine impact on the availability of drugs in the area.”

Thirteen people will be appearing in court on charges including:

• Selling a class A controlled drug
• Selling a class C controlled drug
• Possession of cannabis for supply
• Possession of cannabis
• Receiving stolen property
• Allowing a premises to be used for offences under the Misuse of Drugs Act
• Fines Warrants

Among the property that was recovered when the search warrants were executed was a gas powered pistol, a stolen laptop, various drug related items and utensils, nearly 100 cannabis tinnies and five mountain bikes which are suspected to be stolen.

“This is a significant operation which has taken place over a number of months and is the culmination of various smaller operations targeting drug offending throughout the District,” says Detective Senior Sergeant Harpur.

“Drug dealing houses are hubs for criminal offending. Most are invariably receiving stolen property, taking payments for drugs and are involved with organised crime groups. This case was no different and our community is a safer place following the termination of this operation.

“Police need the assistance of the public to effectively target organised crime, gangs and drugs. You do not have to put up with living next door to someone you know is growing, manufacturing or dealing drugs and the information you have can help make your community a safe place for your and your family to live,” says Detective Senior Sergeant Harpur.

Anyone with information on crime, including drugs or stolen property, can contact the organisation Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111.

ENDS

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