Police in northern Christchurch have this morning executed 10 search warrants at addresses in the area, focused on drug dealing and related criminal activity.
Several arrests have been made and a quantity of drugs and drug paraphernalia has been seized.
Northern Sub Area Commander Senior Sergeant Roy Appley said the operation, which began at 08:00 this morning, involved 55 staff from across the Canterbury district including Armed Offenders Squad Tactical Response and drug dog resources, as well as general duties staff.
"This is a highly visible operation which is about holding offenders to account for what is normally termed the lower level of drug offending," said Senior Sergeant Appley. "Typically this is cannabis dealing from tinnie houses.
"This type of offending is disturbing to communities and is often linked to more serious criminal offending.
"We intend to disrupt this type of activity and want those involved to know that the Police will deal firmly with this offending at any time."
Senior Sergeant Appley said the operation is continuing this afternoon with several further phases, including visits to a total of around 50 addresses.
ENDS
Media enquiries: Stephen Hill, Canterbury District Communications Manager, 027 4363701