Tinnie houses targeted in Opotiki

Opotiki Police have successfully executed a number of search warrants in the area in the last few days, specifically targeting 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 and in particular school aged children being sold drugs," says Sergeant Michael Mackenzie, Station Sergeant at Opotiki Police Station.

"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 the Opotiki community 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."

Sergeant Mackenzie 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 these warrants.

"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.

One “Tinnie” house operator in particular has been committing drug dealing offences whilst on bail for the same type of offending. He is to appear in the Whakatäne District Court today, where his bail has been opposed. Two other local men are appearing in the Opotiki District Court next week on drug related charges.

"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.

"Opotiki 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."

Sergeant Mackenzie says anyone with information could contact Opotiki Police or provide information anonymously via the Crimestoppers line, 0800 555 111.