25 arrests in WBOP drug/burglary operation

Twenty-five people have been arrested after a two day operation across the Western Bay of Plenty targeting organised criminals responsible for the sale and distribution of illicit drugs and dealing in stolen property.

Twenty-six search warrants were executed across the Western Bay of Plenty on Tuesday 12 and Wednesday 13 July.

More than 30 Police staff have been involved in the multi-agency operation, assisted by nine New Zealand Customs staff, two Immigration New Zealand officers, and a Collections Officer from the Ministry of Justice. The Tauranga AOS squad was used to support a search warrant in Welcome Bay.

The officer in charge of the operation, Detective Senior Sergeant Greg Turner, says Police recovered quantities of methamphetamine, cannabis, ecstasy, approximately $9000 in cash, four firearms and stolen electrical equipment.

He says those arrested are facing a range of charges related to possession of methamphetamine and cannabis for supply, receiving stolen property and unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition. All those arrested have or will be appearing in the Tauranga District Court over the coming week.

Detective Senior Sergeant Turner, says the operation is the third of its kind this year, in an ongoing focus on the clear link between the organised distribution of illicit drugs, and burglaries and the trade in stolen property.

"In short, organised criminals are those groups or individuals who are earning a living from criminal activity. Their activities cause significant harm in our community which goes far beyond the individual drug user, and often translates into dishonesty offending, violence and intimidation.

“Reducing this harm by disrupting organised crime groups is a priority for Western Bay of Plenty Police. This week's operation is another example of that and this focus will continue."

Detective Senior Sergeant Turner says those arrested include members and associates of several different organised criminal groups, including the Headhunters, Filthy Few, Mongrel Mob, Black Power and Nomads.

“This demonstrates the propensity for these groups to work together for profit.

“In recent months we have seen the development of several large-scale, sophisticated commercial burglary operations, which have been targeting highly marketable commodities such as cigarettes and phone cards. These are often exchanged for drugs and ultimately end up in the hands of criminal groups.

“It is just this sort of link between drugs and burglary offending that this operation has set out to disrupt. The arrests today have gone a long way to achieve that.”

Detective Senior Sergeant Turner says operations like that undertaken this week don’t happen by accident, and information from the public plays a key role in helping identify and apprehend drug and burglary offenders.

He urges anyone who has knowledge of or who suspects drug dealing activity in their neighbourhood to contact Police.

"Police obviously have an enforcement role to play in local communities, but we can't operate alone. When everyone in the community works together, we can all make a real difference.

“There are avenues available, such as the independent Crimestoppers line, where people can provide information anonymously if they need to. Please, if you are concerned about suspicious activity in your neighbourhood, please say something.”

Detective Senior Sergeant Turner says people can contact Police directly on 111 or at their local Police Station, or provide information anonymously via the Crimestoppers line, 0800 555 111 .