Arrests in Methamphetamine operation

Seven people will be appearing in court in Napier and Auckland today after police targeted a group of Hawke's Bay methamphetamine dealers with links to the Hells Angels gang in Auckland.

Napier Area Commander Inspector Kevin Kalff said the arrests were the result of an intensive two-month operation focussing on the distribution and selling of methamphetamine in Hawke's Bay. Police allege the drug dealers arrested today have been buying large quantities of P from the Hells Angels in Auckland and selling it from a suburban house in Napier. The dealers were also allegedly distributing the drug to other dealers in the city for on-selling.

Six people will be appearing in the Napier District Court today, while one person will be appearing in the Manukau District Court.

Police today searched seven houses in Napier while Auckland police searched the Hells Angels headquarters in Mt Eden and a South Auckland house. One man was arrested there on charges of supplying methamphetamine.

Mr Kalff said the operation revealed large quantities of the drug were being sold in the local community by dealers. Today's arrests would severely disrupt the flow of P coming into the Hawke's Bay region.

"This was a well-organised group with strong gang connections in Auckland. It is indicative of a thriving drug trade that reaches into every corner of New Zealand and is not just confined to the big cities," Mr Kalff said.

Methamphetamine was the basis for an established underground industry of drug manufacturing that police were constantly monitoring around the country.

"Police are continually working to stamp out the manufacture and trade of P. It's an ongoing approach that we have to take against a relentless criminal business that is well-planned and lucrative. Police around the country are putting a steady stream of offenders through the courts who are involved in illicit drug activity," Mr Kalff said.

Those arrested are due to appear in the Napier District Court today on charges of conspiracy to supply methamphetamine, supplying methamphetamine, possession of Class A drugs for supply and conspiracy to
manufacture methamphetamine. The man arrested in Auckland will appear in the Manukau District Court.

Today's bust follows the arrest of a 41-year-old Clive man last week when police searched a house in the township between Napier and Hastings and seized nearly 5 ounces of P, allegedly with a street value of approximately $130,000.

Police are urging anyone with information in relation to methamphetamine and other controlled drugs to contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS

© Scoop Media