Ten Month Police Operation Ends In Arrests And Drug Seizure

New Zealand Police National News Release 4:20pm

9 August 2006

Eastern District Police have dealt another blow to organised crime and drug dealers in the District, raiding over 18 addresses this morning.

Police had arrested 20 offenders by 2pm today and that number was expected to increase as the operation progressed.

Cannabis plant material, methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia and associated instruments, and a firearm were seized as part of Operation Oyster coordinated by the Hastings Police Organised Crime Unit.

Eastern District Crime Services Manager, Detective Inspector Sam Aberahama said today's arrests were the culmination of 10 month's work on the operation.

"Operation Oyster involved over 60 Police who searched addresses in Hastings, Napier, Waipukurau and Wairoa which Police believe were linked to the distribution of controlled drugs," Mr Aberahama said.

District Commander, Superintendent Grant Nicholls said he was delighted with the success of the operation, particularly as it follows a recent operation in Wairoa where 17 gang members were arrested and charged with a variety of crimes.

"This District is committed to targeting organised crime and getting to the heart of their drug distribution networks.

"Today is the result of a lot of hard work over the past 10 months. It highlights for us, and for the public in the district that we are being effective.

"We have an ongoing interest in apprehending those involved in organised crime. We will continue to focus on reducing opportunity for this type of offending," Mr Nicholls said.

ENDS

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