Wellington Police targeted methamphetamine dealers in an early morning operation which resulted in the arrest of four people on property and cannabis related charges.
Detective Senior Sergeant Mike Arnerich, Wellington CIB, says 15 search warrants were executed in the Wellington City Area as police took the opportunity of the recent reclassification of ‘meth’ to a Class A controlled drug.
"Today was not a one-off," he warns. We are very aware and concerned about the effect of meth, especially 'P’ on violent and property crime.
"We will continue to visit meth dealers in the coming months at a convenient time for us and an inconvenient time for the offenders."
Police found a mobile ‘clan lab’, several grams of crystal methamphetamine, a hydroponics set up with cannabis plants, several ounces of cannabis, numerous meth pipes and pills that have yet to be analysed. Two stolen cameras were also located.
The four arrested face charges of receiving stolen property, possession of a restricted weapon (Mace), possession of cannabis and cultivating cannabis. More arrests are expected.
Thirty six staff from various groups including the Crime Control Unit, Organised Crime Unit, CIB, Beat, police and Customs dog handlers and the Strategic Response Group were involved in Operation Strike 1.