Northland District Headquarters
Walton Plaza, Whangärei
Tuesday December 22, 2009

Drug Operation

Eight people are facing drugs, receiving stolen property, burglary and money laundering charges after police executed several search warrants in the Mid North.

During Operation Fender, which targeted stolen property and methamphetamine, police searched nine addresses in the Haruru Falls and Kawakawa areas. They also searched one address in Manurewa, Auckland.

Two clan labs were found, one near Kerikeri and the other near Kawakawa, and several grams of methamphetamine were also located at other addresses.
Other drugs seized included more than 200 LSD tablets and several cannabis plants.

Property seized consisted of TVs, cell phones, a thermal imaging camera worth $11,500, digital projectors, electronic gaming machines, more than $5000 in cash, $180,000 worth of bonus bonds and 12 firearms.

As part of the operation police are looking for Richard Keefe (aka Richard Stuart). A warrant to arrest has been issued for Keefe on several drugs and receiving charges as well as escaping police custody, failing to stop and dangerous driving.

Keefe is considered dangerous and should not be approached.
If anyone has any information on Keefe's whereabouts they can contact their local police station or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

The operation stemmed from the targeting of a group of burglars and following the stolen property through to methamphetamine dealers and cooks.

Detective Sergeant Rhys Johnston says this operation has had a significant impact on methamphetamine and stolen property in the Mid North area.

"It is also a clear example of local enforcement of the recently launched New Zealand Police Methamphetamine Strategy.

Several people will now be facing asset seizure action as a result of their charges and this operation should be a warning to any person attempting to make a living through the dealing of methamphetamine and stolen property."

ENDS

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