Five offenders have been arrested and charged in relation to the sale and supply of methamphetamine and the sale, supply and cultivation of cannabis in Levin.
A number of items were also seized following search warrants conducted in the Horowhenua area on 29 August, 2017.
The search warrants were part of a month-long investigation, known as Operation Fold.
In the searches carried out at five Levin address, two purpose built cannabis cultivation operations were located in a garage. Also recovered were two firearms, ammunition, methamphetamine, cannabis, cash, equipment related to the supply of cannabis and synthetic cannabis.
Detective Sergeant Karen Heald believes this drug-syndicate has been operating for some time.
“My team has been working relentlessly on this operation to prevent drugs circulating and causing further harm to the Levin community,” she says.
“The sale and supply of drugs in our community feeds those with addiction issues, and is often funded by further criminal activity.”
Through the work of Operation Fold, a 24-year-old man has been charged with supplying methamphetamine, supplying cannabis, cultivating cannabis, supplying cannabis oil and ecstasy and manufacturing cannabis oil. A 25 year-old man has been charged with possession and supply of methamphetamine and cannabis, and the manufacture of cannabis oil. A 46-year-old woman has been charged with the supply of methamphetamine and cannabis.
All three men have been remanded in in custody, due to reappear in the Levin District Court on 20 September, 2017.
Additionally, a 30-year-old man has also been charged with the cultivation of cannabis and the unlawful possession of two firearms and ammunition. He is due to reappear in Levin District Court on 6 September, 2017. Also a 25 year-old man has been charged with the possession, cultivation and supply of cannabis. He has been released on bail, due to reappear in court on 13 September, 2017.
“We encourage anyone who may have any information relating to drug-related offending to contact Police so we can keep harmful products away from our community,” says Detective Sergeant Karen Heald.
“We also ask anyone who is affected by drug addiction to seek the help they need.”
Information on drug-related offending can be shared in confidence to your local Police station.
Alternatively, information may be shared anonymously with Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
For those seeking help, whether it’s for yourself or someone else, free and confidential advice is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at the Alcohol Drug Helpline on 0800 787 797 or text 8681.
ENDS
Police Media Centre
Media Note: Please direct any queries to josie.cochrane@police.govt.nz