Please attribute to Sergeant James Cassin, Auckland City West, Tactical Crime Unit, Car Squad.
The success of Operation Pencil was evident yesterday when Police seized a large number of firearms, cash, drugs and other items of concern from an address in Grey Lynn.
The operation began 11 days ago and is specifically aimed at preventing an increase in serious crime in the Auckland City West area.
Operation Pencil focuses on known priority crime offenders and high crime areas such as carparks, shopping malls, gas stations and railway stations.
Police conducted a search warrant yesterday and along with drugs and cash that were seized, police also recovered three shotguns (two sawn off), a bolt action rifle, standard rifle and ammunition.
“This search and seizure was particularly pertinent as a number of items seized were consistent with what is required to set up a clandestine laboratory. We believe the seizure of these items has possibly prevented a clan lab being set up and subsequently prevented a significant amount of drugs from reaching our streets,” said Sergeant James Cassin, Auckland City West, Tactical Crime Unit, Car Squad.
“We are committed to preventing further harm and antisocial behaviour by holding people involved in illegal activities to account. Drugs have no place in our community, they destroy the lives of the users, as well as harming their whanau, friends and wider circles. We hope this arrest will bring some reassurance to the community,” he said.
A 28-year-old man has been charged with 18 charges relating to possession of drugs and equipment, possession of firearms, receiving and possession of police property and a restricted weapon. He is due to appear in the Auckland District Court tomorrow.
ENDS
Monique Caddy/NZ Police