Monday, 22 April 2013 - 3:10pm |
Canterbury

Drug arrests target organised crime

2 min read

A series of significant drug busts in Christchurch over recent weeks are having a big impact on organised crime in the city, according to Police.

In the latest arrests, Police terminated an operation late on Friday afternoon with an armed offenders squad vehicle stop near Woodend.

Detective Senior Sergeant Corrie Parnell, head of the Canterbury Volume Crime squad, says a 26-year old male and 37-year old female had driven from Auckland in a recently purchased Audi which was subsequently searched.

Approximately 30 grams of the Class A controlled drug methamphetamine was located along with scales, eight methamphetamine smoking pipes and dealing point bags.

A search warrant at their home address located further drug paraphernalia and a quantity of jewellery believed to be from residential burglaries.

Both have been charged with Possession of Methamphetamine for Supply with additional charges likely to follow. They will appear in the Christchurch District Court tomorrow [Tuesday 23 April].

Detective Senior Sergeant Parnell says action will be taken against the pair under Proceeds of Crime legislation.

"We are seeing strong links between those involved in residential burglaries and the receiving of stolen property to fund the purchase and subsequent sale of controlled drugs," he says.

Friday's arrests come after operations in which two significant methamphetamine syndicates were disrupted, resulting in five arrests.

The most recent of these, earlier this month, resulted in the seizure of more than $100,000 worth of methamphetamine, located in the possession of a 43-year old Auckland man who was attempting to bring it into the city.

"We believe the methamphetamine was destined for other dealers in our city and the seizure will have an impact on supply" says Detective Senior Sergeant Tony Hill, from the Organised Crime unit.

In the past six weeks there have also been 10 indoor cannabis cultivation operations shutdown within the city and North Canterbury.

As well as the arrests for methamphetamine and cannabis cultivation and dealing, there have been several arrests in the intravenous drug trade and well as offenders responsible for burglaries and thefts.

"These successes are a combination of the cooperation we are getting from members of the public, and the Police commitment to targeting organised crime," says Detective Senior Sergeant Hill.

"I encourage anyone who has information about drug dealers or about those who are profiting from crime to contact us, or to contact Crimestoppers if they don't want to talk to Police directly."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Christchurch police on (03) 3637400.

Alternatively, to provide information anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS