Meth seized in drugs sting
About $20,000 cash were located and seized as part of the police's sting operation. Photo: Supplied.
Methamphetamine worth about $25,000 has been seized in a major drugs bust.
Six search warrants were carried out across Blenheim, Nelson and Christchurch over the last two days.
Four people were taken into custody as part of the investigation by the Tasman Organised Crime Unit alongside the recently formed Tasman Asset Recovery Unit.
Approximately 80 grams of methamphetamine, with a street value of over $25,000, two firearms and approximately $20,000 cash were located and seized.
Tasman Organised Crime Unit Detective Senior Sergeant Shane Dye says the search warrants were part of an investigation spanning months.
Officers are continuing to investigate the whereabouts of several other people of interest.
“Police are committed to investigating both individuals and organised criminal groups including gangs who cause harm to the community through the distribution of controlled drugs,” he says.
“Police will continue to disrupt this criminal activity, to put them before the court and to seize any assets or profits accumulated as a result.
“Drug use destroys the lives of users, as well as harming the friends, family and community around them.”
Four people were taken into custody due to appear in Christchurch and Nelson District Courts.
A 40-year-old woman appeared in the Christchurch District Court on Wednesday and has been remanded in custody to reappear on 3 October.
A 46-year-old woman and a 62-year-old male were due to reappear in the Nelson District Court yesterday, charged with numerous offences relating to the sale and supply of methamphetamine across the Tasman District.
A 43-year-old man has been charged with being unlawfully in possession of firearms, offering to supply methamphetamine, cultivating cannabis, and contravening a protection order, he has been remanded in custody and is due to reappear in the Christchurch District Court 27 September.
Police inquiries revealed evidence of large quantities of methamphetamine being purchased in Auckland and brought into the Tasman District for further distribution,
Police continue to see organised criminal groups taking advantage of the addictiveness of drugs, especially methamphetamine, to profit from it, Detective Senior Sergeant Dye says.
“Police want to help those affected by drugs to get away from the downward cycle of addiction, they should not be afraid to approach Police or other social agencies for help.”
If anyone has any information regarding the distribution of controlled drugs, they can contact police in confidence on 105 if it is after the fact or 111 if it is happening now or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.