Drugs, firearms recovered in West Coast operation

Four people have been charged following a large Police operation in the Buller area of Tasman Police District yesterday.

Search warrants were executed at five properties and as a result four people are facing drugs and firearms charges.

Up to 18kg of dried cannabis head was recovered at an Inangahua address, along with plants still in the drying process. Two sawn off shotguns, a cut down .22 rifle, an AK47 and a .303 rifle plus ammunition were also found at that address.

A 50 year old Inangahua man has been charged with Possession of Cannabis for Supply and Unlawful Possession of Firearms.

A 44year old Upper Moutere man has been charged with possession of Class A Drug Methamphetamine.

A 26 year old Inangahua man has been charged with Possession of Class A Drug Methamphetamine, Possession of Class B Drug Cannabis Oil, Cultivation of Cannabis and Possession of Cannabis Plant.

A 29 year old Marahau man has been charged with Cultivating Cannabis, Possession of Cannabis for Supply and theft of electricity after a substantial indoor growing operation was located at a rented property in Reefton. Police also recovered eight mature plants and 283 grammes of dried cannabis and $7000 cash at the address.

Operation Commander Detective Sergeant Chris Roberts said he had no doubt that yesterday's operation had disrupted the supply of cannabis to our District, and further afield.

"I hope this sends a clear message to those engaging in drug activity that they won't go unnoticed just because they are in a rural location. Our District is not a soft option," he said.

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