Canterbury Police executed a search warrant at a New Brighton address earlier this morning in relation to the sale and supply of illicit drugs.
Staff from Canterbury’s Armed Offenders Squad and the Offender Prevention Team searched the address in relation to activity involving the King Cobra gang, who recently began operating in Christchurch.
During the search, Police located a loaded firearm and a number of items related to the sale and supply of controlled drugs.
A 24-year-old man has subsequently been charged with unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, as well as charges relating to the sale and supply of controlled drugs.
He is due to appear in the Christchurch District Court today.
A 25-year-old man and a 22-year-old woman were also charged with related firearms and ammunition offences and are due to appear in the Christchurch District Court on Tuesday 5 September, 2017.
This type of criminal activity causes significant harm to the Canterbury community and police are committed to the ongoing targeting of this type of offending.
Police will continue to work with the community to prevent the harm illicit drugs cause and the ongoing criminal activity associated with their use.
Those with any information on drug-related offending are encouraged to speak in confidence to an officer at their local Police station.
Alternatively, information may be shared anonymously with Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
For those seeking help with drug-addiction, 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