Police seize drugs and stolen property in Waikato operation

A week-long operation by Waikato Police focusing on the supply of cannabis and methamphetamine has resulted in 12 arrests, the seizure of drugs and recovery of stolen property.

Detective Senior Sergeant Nigel Keall, O/C Crime Services, Waikato Police District, said 17 search warrants were executed and quantities of methamphetamine, cannabis, cash and stolen property found.

Those arrested are facing a range of charges including possession for supply, supplying cannabis and supplying methamphetamine, manufacturing methamphetamine, cultivating cannabis and receiving stolen property.

Detective Senior Sergeant Keall said: "This operation was a planned response to information received from and concerns expressed by the local community. Further arrests are likely.

"We are continuing to crack down on drug dealing houses and the criminals who run them as part of our sustained programme of enforcement to combat drugs and disrupt organised crime groups.

"Drug dealing houses are hubs for criminal offending. The people who run them are dealing in drugs, particularly cannabis, but also often methamphetamine. They are also invariably receiving stolen property, taking payments for drugs and are involved with organised crime groups."

Yesterday the Armed Offenders Squad was utilised to assist in the arrest of a 37 year old man at a Nawton address. This followed the discovery of a methamphetamine laboratory in a vehicle at Karapiro earlier in the day. The man has been charged with Manufacturing Methamphetamine and a second man is being sought.

One of the arrests included a woman who has been charged with possession for supply and supplying methamphetamine. Police allege drug deals were arranged while she had some time earlier been in hospital awaiting the birth of her child. Child, Youth and Family were notified by the investigators.

Detective Senior Sergeant Keall said police were particularly concerned to find children present at some of the addresses being used to supply drugs. Three referrals have been made to Child, Youth and Family as a result.

"This week’s operation is another example of the insidious and pervasive nature of methamphetamine and how it impacts on members of the community.”

Detective Senior Sergeant Keall urges the public to continue to play their part in targeting drug dealers in the community by contacting their local police with any information about drug dealing houses, or if they want to remain anonymous call Crimestoppers 0800 555111.