Source: New Zealand Police (National News)
Police have shut down a social media operation selling restricted weapons from an Auckland suburb.
In the process Police have recovered dozens of stun devices, OC spray, knives and nearly two kilograms of cannabis to boot.
An investigation has been ongoing into the operation that has allegedly been selling the restricted weapons.
Auckland City West Area Commander, Inspector Alisse Robertson says Police executed a search warrant at a Blockhouse Bay property on Wednesday.
“Our investigation staff have been looking into tasers and OC spray being sold on Facebook,” she says.
“The investigation led us to the address where we located a person of interest in this case.”
A thorough search uncovered 29 canisters of OC Spray, 27 stun guns, as well as more than 1.6kg of cannabis.
“Concerningly a large number of these were all set up and ready for sale,” Inspector Robertson says.
A 28-year-old woman was arrested at the address.
Police have since charged her with a representative charge of possessing a restricted weapon, as well as possession for supply of cannabis.
The woman is appearing in the Auckland District Court today and Police are opposing her bail.
Inspector Robertson says: “This is a really good outcome for the community, with dozens of these dangerous weapons out of circulation and another supply line shut down.
“I’d like to acknowledge the range of staff who worked on this on Wednesday, from our front-line staff through to Tactical Crime Unit with support from colleagues further afield in Auckland.”
Police enquiries will continue as a result of Wednesday’s search warrant.
Inspector Robertson says Police continue to encourage the public to report any illegal activity taking place in their communities, whether that’s in proximity or online.
Information can be reported through 105 channels or by contacting Crime Stoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
ENDS.
Jarred Williamson/NZ Police
