A number of people have been arrested today (Friday, 18 June) following a three month investigation into the distribution of cannabis in the Taranaki Rural area.
Four search warrants were executed at four addresses in Hawera and Patea. Two women from Hawera, aged 43 and 45, were arrested along with a 21-year-old man from Hawera and a 49-year-old man from Patea.
Bags of dried cannabis, 64 cannabis seedlings and large sums of cash were recovered.
The three from Hawera have all appeared in court this afternoon on a variety of drugs related charges. The Patea man has been bailed to appear at court next Tuesday.
Senior Sergeant Blair Burnett said: "I don't tolerate drug dealing in my area and a lot of work has gone into the last three months to identify where drugs are being distributed and who is behind that distribution. Today is a culmination of that work and I would hope that these arrests send out a clear message to anyone else who thinks they can operate under the radar.
"This isn't the first operation and it won't be the last if people don't heed this warning."
Anyone who has any information about drug distribution should contact their local police. Alternatively information can be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
Media enquiries should be referred to Communications Manager Kim Perks on 06 351 2546 or 027 234 8256.