Source: New Zealand Police
Please attribute the following to Detective Inspector Matt Cranshaw, Field Crime Manager:
Police have made 10 arrests and dismantled clan labs across the upper North Island following a series of coordinated search warrants targeting the sale and supply of methamphetamine.
Operation Leaf was terminated yesterday, this investigation focussed on the supply of methamphetamine in Waikato.
Ten search warrants were executed across Waikato, Counties Manukau, and Northland. They follow on from the execution of earlier search warrants linked to a prominent Black Power gang leader on 22 October.
Yesterday four clandestine laboratory sites were identified, and equipment and chemicals were seized.
Police also located methamphetamine, a loaded pistol, cash, and electronic devices.
As a result, ten people have been arrested for offences including manufacturing and supplying methamphetamine, participating in an organised crime group, conspiring to supply Fantasy and MDMA, and unlawful possession of a firearm.
A 43-year-old woman appeared in the Whangārei District Court on Wednesday.
The remaining defendants appeared in the Hamilton District Court yesterday and were remanded to reappear at a later date.
Detective Inspector Matt Cranshaw says these arrests follow a five-month long investigation, with support from frontline police staff across the three districts.
“Operation Leaf has involved Police teams including the Organised Crime Squad, Investigations, National Organised Crime Group, Asset Recovery Unit, the Armed Offenders Squad and covert personnel across three Police districts.”
“Police will continue to target organised criminal offending and drug production, which causes significant harm in our communities.”
If you have any information about those involved in the importation or supply of harmful and illicit drugs, please contact Police via 105 online or by phone.
Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
As the matter is before the Court, Police are not able to comment further at this time.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
