Early this morning police carried out search warrants around Whangarei as part of an operation targeting the Head Hunters gang and methamphetamine.
Just after 6am about 60 police officers carried out the warrants at five addresses and arrested 11 people.
Detectives from the Northland Organised Crime Unit were assisted by officers from the Organised Financial Crime Agency (OFCANZ), the Asset Recovery Unit, and the Specialist Search Group.
The Armed Offenders Squad has been involved at a location of interest as a precautionary measure.
Northland Criminal Investigations Manager Detective Inspector Kevin Burke says today’s events are the termination phase of Operation Atlas, a police investigation into the criminal activities of the Head Hunters gang, including the manufacture and supply of methamphetamine in the greater Northland area.
Police are now speaking to the 11 offenders who will be appearing in the Whangarei District Court later today facing various charges relating to the supply and manufacture of methamphetamine.
“The demand for methamphetamine remains strong and this drug transcends all sectors in our society. At this time discretionary money should be going on the joys of Christmas. Much of the money, obtained by offenders committing burglaries or breaking into or stealing cars, ends up in the hands of drug dealers who supply meth,” says Mr Burke.
Odyssey House Trust Meth Help Team Co-ordinator Annabelle Harris says Christmas is a family time that can be very difficult for the relatives of users.
“Getting help for meth addiction doesn’t mean going away to a clinic or hospital – we can offer long-term interventions over the phone, such as counselling, or if someone’s detoxing we can text them each day.”
Ms Harris says after the festive season users may think about asking for help and they can call the Alcohol Drug Helpline on 0800 787 797 for a referral to the Meth Team or, if they don’t want to give their details over the phone, can send an email to mht@adanz.org.nz
Further details on today’s termination of Operation Atlas will be released later today.
Issued by Northland Police Communications Manager Sarah Kennett, 09 945 4650 or 021 192 1099