Arrests In Wairoa Following Termination Of Drug Operation
The Eastern District Police Organised Crime Unit has
today terminated a
six-week-long operation
targeting the supply of methamphetamine in the
Wairoa
area.
More than 60 Police staff,
including the Wellington Asset Recovery Unit,
the
National Organised Crime Group and Specialist
Search Group, assisted in the
operation to search
eight Wairoa properties.
There have been eight
arrests, including four women, aged between 29 and
42
and four men aged between 30 and
60.
Police allege the group have been selling high
volumes of methamphetamine in
Wairoa.
The
group has strong links to the local Mongrel Mob gang and one
of the men
arrested is a patched
member.
Police have restrained property worth over $1
million under the Criminal
Proceeds (Recovery)
Act.
This includes seven residential properties and
six vehicles including late
model utilities, a
Harley Davidson motorcycle, a jet ski and an
excavator.
Today’s search warrants have seen Police
locate and seize a large quantity
of cash and
methamphetamine. Two firearms have also be
seized.
"The termination of this operation will cause
a significant disruption to the
supply of
methamphetamine in the Wairoa community and will ultimately
prevent
the ongoing harm associated with this
insidious drug," says Detective
Inspector Brent
Greville.
“It should send a clear warning to those
who deal drugs in our communities
that Police will
continue to target you, and you will be
prosecuted.”
Those arrested will appear in the
Gisborne District Court tomorrow on
charges
including suppyling methamphetamine,
possession of methamphetamine for supply
and
possession of cannabis for supply.
Further arrests are likely.