Source: Radio New Zealand
Some of the pounamu that was recovered by police across the West Coast. NZ POLICE / SUPPLIED
Police have recovered about 1000 kilograms of pounamu and charged three people in an operation targeting alleged thefts of the precious stone across the West Coast.
Detectives from Tasman and Central Otago executed search warrants on Tuesday, targeting several properties in the Central Otago and South Westland areas, West Coast Area Commander Inspector Jacqui Corner said.
“The operation follows reports of commercial sales of illegally sourced pounamu from the area and an ongoing investigation to track those responsible.
“During the searches police recovered approximately 1 tonne of pounamu.
This is a fantastic result but also frustrating, as it involves a taonga allegedly stolen for profit by individuals who, we believe, had no right to claim it.”
Police had been working closely with Poutini Ngāi Tahu and Iwi chairpeople had welcomed the continued support and ongoing investigations, Corner said.
“The public are allowed to fossick for pounamu in approved areas, but this quantity can only be described as commercial.
“Education and knowledge is important.”
Corner said police worked with Poutini Ngāi Tahu to help people understand what was permissible.
“But when it comes to what we’ve found here it’s very different to someone fossicking freely on a beach.
This is large-scale theft.”
Police filed charges of theft against a 50-year-old male and a 42-year-old female from Tarras, and a 62-year-old woman from Jackson Bay.
They were due to appear in the Greymouth District court next Wednesday.
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
