Drug operation ends with eight arrested and high volumes of cash, property seized in Wairoa
The Eastern District Police Organised Crime Unit believes the termination of a six-week-long operation targeting the supply of methamphetamine in Wairoa sends a clear message to those dealing drugs in the community.
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 and locate and seize a large quantity of cash and methamphetamine.
Eight people have been arrested - four are women, aged between 29 and 42 and four are men aged between 30 and 60.
One is a patched member of the local Mongrel Mob gang, and the other seven have "strong links".
Cash seized as a result of today's operation termination in Wairoa. Photo/Supplied.
Police allege the group have been selling high volumes of methamphetamine in Wairoa.
As well as the arrests, police have restrained property worth more than $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.
Two firearms have also be seized.
Vehicles restrained as a result of today's operation termination in Wairoa. Photo/Supplied.
"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 supplying methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine for supply and possession of cannabis for supply.
He says further arrests are likely.
