Detectives have concluded an investigation into organised methamphetamine distribution in the Manawatu area.
As part of Operation ZIPPO, staff from the Manawatu Organised Crime Unit yesterday [Thursday] arrested a 52-year-old Palmerston North man after stopping a vehicle just south of Paekakariki.
After the arrest by CIB, Specialist Search, Asset Recovery Unit, and Public Safety Teams executed a number of warrants at residential properties and storage facilities in Manawatu (Palmerston North and areas around Feilding and Ashhurst).
A specialist drug dog was used in the searches, during which Police found:
• 80 grams of methamphetamine.
• 10 kilograms of cannabis plant head.
• 175 grams of hashish.
• $278,000 in cash.
• An AK-47 assault rifle.
Five motor vehicles were also seized as part of the asset recovery action, including European cars.
Another three people were arrested. A 36-year-old woman and a 21-year-old man, both of Palmerston North, faced drug related charges.
The third person, a 22-year-old Palmerston North woman, was arrested for a breach of bail.
In the time leading up to the arrests a number of search warrants were executed.
These resulted in the arrest of nine people who are facing a range of serious drug charges.
During those warrants Police recovered:
• 1.2 kilos of MDMA (Esctasy).
• 300 millilitres of GBL (Fantasy).
• 0.5 kilo of methamphetamine.
• 2 firearms.
• $421,000 in cash.
Detective Sergeant Dave Thompson of the Manawatu Organised Crime Unit says:
“We are thrilled with the outcome of the investigation and are confident the group involved in the supply of methamphetamine has been dismantled.
“It again shows that people involved in this drug are driven by greed and will continually look to profit from it. This is at the expense of those who are addicted to its use.
“The impact on our community with methamphetamine supply and its subsequent use is huge. Taking out any supply network is satisfying in our attempts to lessen that impact.
“Targeting the people who supply this destructive drug is only one part of what needs to be done. Police are also committed to looking at ways to reduce its use. If we can help people to get away from the drug then it makes sense that the demand for it will lessen,” says Mr Thompson.
Anyone with information about drug harm in their communities can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
The 52-year-old man appeared in court this afternoon charged with possession of methamphetamine for supply; possession of cannabis for supply; and the unlawful possession of a firearm.
The 36-year-old woman also appeared in court and was charged with possession of methamphetamine for supply.
The remaining accused will appear in court in the future.
ENDS
Note to media: Police are not in a position to conduct any interviews regarding Operation ZIPPO.
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