Source: New Zealand Police (District News)
Police have arrested three men following an extensive investigation that culminated in search warrants in Taranaki on Thursday 12 and Friday 13 October.
The Taranaki Organised Crime Group have been working to identify those involved in the supply and distribution of methamphetamine in the area.
Detective Senior Sergeant Gerard Bouterey says, “Methamphetamine causes significant harm to our communities, and we will continue to target those who are making a profit off vulnerable people in our region.
“These arrests will considerably disrupt the distribution of this drug and the team have worked hard to hold these individuals to account.”
Approximately $20,000, methamphetamine and ammunition was seized during the first warrant at an Ōkato address.
The next day, a vehicle that had travelled from Tauranga to Taranaki was stopped by police and a further amount of methamphetamine and a large amount cash was seized by Police.
A subsequent search warrant at an address in Waitara has located an additional $40,000 and a significant quantity of methamphetamine.
“These seizures show that Police are dedicated to removing methamphetamine from circulation, and contributing to the continued reduction in harm these drugs are causing in our community,” says DSS Bouterey.
Three vehicles at the address have also been restrained by the Asset Recovery Unit, a Dodge Challenger, a 1970 Plymouth Barracuda and a Harley Davidson Motorcycle.
All three men, aged 54, 56 and 62, have been charged with drug related charges for the possession and supply of methamphetamine.
The 54-year-old also has an additional charge relating to the unlawful possession of ammunition and the 56-year-old faces a further charge of unlawfully possessing a firearm.
They are due to appear in New Plymouth District Court on 2 November and 19 October, respectively.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
