Arrests in Canterbury in Op Granite

This morning at 0600 hours Police executed a number of search warrants throughout the city in relation to an investigation into the Manufacture and Distribution of Methamphetamine code named Operation Granite. Warrants have also been executed at Ashburton and Rangiora. Due to the dangerous nature of Clan Labs a number of warrants were done with the assistance of an armed response. Approximately 160 staff have been involved in this mornings operation.

So far three Clan Labs have been located at three separate addresses. Cash, a firearm, chemicals related to the Manufacture of Methamphetamine have also been found. Searches continue and we will have a better picture by lunchtime today as to what has been found.

At the time of this release five people have been arrested and will appear in the District Court this afternoon on a variety of charges. Further arrests are expected.

We plan to hold a media conference this afternoon at one of the addresses where a Clan Lab has been located at 2 p.m. This is in the inner city. The Minister of Police, The Right Honourable Judith Collins will be arriving in Christchurch just after lunch to met with staff engaged in the Operation and will be present at the Media Conference.

I will confirm the address where the Conference will be held prior to midday today