Twenty arrests were made in Western Bay of Plenty last night when Police terminated an operation aimed at addressing community concerns around drugs and property crime.
Operation Mantis began over a month ago and resulted last night in search warrants being executed at 10 addresses in Tauranga and Te Puke suspected of being linked to drug dealing.
Detective Senior Sergeant Greg Turner states that 20 people, both men and women, have been arrested for serious offences relating to the dealing, supply and possession of methamphetamine and cannabis. The ages of those arrested range from 18 to 46.
A total of 60grams of methamphetamine, 25 ounces of cannabis, $5000 in cash and numerous items of stolen property have been recovered.
Police would like to thank members of the public for information that led to this operation and encourage anyone in the community with information concerning drugs or any other crime to contact the Police.
Some of those arrested will appear in the Tauranga District Court this morning; and others over the coming days.
If you have information about any drug activity you should contact your local police. Information can also be provided anonymously to the organisation Crimestoppers on 0800 555111
Greg Turner
Detective Senior Sergeant
O/C CIB
Western Bay of Plenty