Hawke’s Bay Police have seized $175,000 worth of methamphetamine and $310,000 in cash after the termination of a major drug operation this week.
The two and half month operation focussed on the supply of methamphetamine in the Eastern District. A 53-year-old man has appeared in court charged with supplying methamphetamine and was remanded in custody to appear again in the Napier District Court on 12 November. He was granted interim name suppression until his next court appearance. Police say further charges are pending.
Detective Inspector Mike Foster said the Eastern Organised Crime Unit operation focussed primarily on the activities of the man, who allegedly supplied methamphetamine to various dealers around Hawke’s Bay, Gisborne and other parts of the country.
Police last week searched his 15-acre farm on the Napier-Taupo Rd as well as a neighbouring property and found $175,000 worth of methamphetamine and two pistols. The $310,000 cash was found buried in the ground near the property.
Mr Foster said police had used the Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Act 2009 to restrain the farm property, a Mustang car and a four-wheel quad bike.
Around 25 police staff were involved in the operation termination, including the Hawke’s Bay Armed Offenders Squad and the Specialist Search Group.
“This was a difficult operation, not least because of the rural location of the property, but we are very pleased with the results. We believe the arrest will make a significant dent in the supply of methamphetamine not just in the Eastern District, but to other parts of the country.
“We want to make it clear to anyone involved in drug activity that police will catch you and we will bring you before the courts. You also run the very high risk of being stripped of your assets and any cash received from the proceeds of crime. We take this sort of activity extremely seriously and will do our utmost to bring it to a halt,” Mr Foster said.
Methamphetamine was a major driver of crime, particularly burglaries, and police were constantly dealing with offending that had its origins in drugs.
“It’s well-known that a lot of burglaries and dishonesty crimes are linked to the offender’s need to get drugs, often to support a habit. Methamphetamine is a major player in the criminal community and we are determined to bring those responsible to justice.”
Police are urging the public to report any suspicious activity that may be related to drug offending. Some telltale signs of drug activity on a property may be curtains closed night and day; strong odours coming from the property; lots of people visiting throughout the day and night and suspicious activity at night-time.
Anyone with information about suspected drug activity should contact their nearest police station or information can be left anonymously on Crimestoppers 0800 555 111.
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Any media queries to Eastern District Communications Manager Kris McGehan on 027 2223638.