Rotorua tinnie houses targeted in major drug operation

Cannabis suppliers across Rotorua have had a nasty Christmas present this year with the execution of search warrants and arrests across the area targeting "tinnie houses".

In total, ten search warrants were executed at different properties. As a result, 17 people have been arrested and combined will face more than 150 charges, including the possession and supply of methamphetamine, cannabis and cannabis oil.

Those arrested to date range from an unemployed 18 year old through to a 52 year old grandmother.

Methamphetamine and cannabis in various forms were recovered during the course of the operation, along with stolen property.

The operation included the search warrant and arrests at a Leslie Ave property earlier this week.

Detective Sergeant Ryan Yardley from Rotorua Police says members of Police have been working on the operation for six weeks, with the operation culminating in the search warrants and arrests this week. He says more arrests are likely.

"The operation specifically targeted those people involved in selling drugs from residential properties – often known as tinnie houses.

"This operation is a direct response to concerns and information from members of the public about criminal activity like this taking place in local neighbourhoods.

"Our ability to be able to take action against criminal activity such as this is completely reliant on information from the public. This operation has demonstrated that Rotorua communities have had enough and they are taking action to do something about it. They are to be commended for coming forward.

"Police obviously have an enforcement role to play in society, but we can't operate alone. When all parts of the community work together, we can all make a real difference."

Detective Sergeant Yardley says it was particularly disappointing and disturbing to find children at a number of addresses involved in drug dealing who were targeted as part of the operation.

"Due to the activities of those around them, they have been exposed to the day to day world of drug dealing. This is not okay."

He says those children have been referred to CYFS.

"The sale and supply of illicit drugs, including cannabis and methamphetamine, has far wide reaching consequences in our society. It often translates into other crime areas, including burglary and intimidation, as those involved seek to support their habits.

"Rotorua Police will continue to place a strong focus on those growing, distributing and selling illicit drugs in our community.

"I would like to issue a plea to anyone in the community who has any information that could help us to come forward – in confidence if required – to help us all achieve our goal of a safer community."

Detective Sergeant Yardley says anyone with information could contact Rotorua Police and ask to speak to the Crime Control Unit, or supply information in confidence to 0800 TIPOFF.