Three arrests after drugs and $90,000 recovered in Wellington raids

Police have netted $90,000 cash and a quantity of drugs after a bust in Otaki on Friday. Photo / NZME.

Members of the Otaki community applauded police as they arrested three people after a police raid uncovered $90,000 cash and a range of drugs.

Members of the Manawatu Organised Crime Unit, Armed Offenders Squad, Asset Recovery Unit, and specialist dog unit made the discoveries after carrying out the busts in Otaki on Friday.

Detective Sergeant Dave Thompson, of the Manawatu Organised Crime Unit, says the raids were carried out after they received information from members of the public who were then on hand to applaud them as they carried out the search warrants.

"It is fantastic that we have this result for those people who have had enough of methamphetamine and other controlled drugs affecting their community.

"When people are driving past applauding while the warrant is being executed, then you know you are doing something right," Thompson says.

A 47-year-old Otaki man was arrested and charged with possession methamphetamine for supply, possession ammunition, cultivation cannabis and possession cannabis at the first house.

Police say it's likely further charges will be filed once further examinations on items seized have been completed.

The man was remanded in custody to appear in the Levin District Court on Wednesday 14 September.

A 42-year-old Otaki woman was also arrested for breach of bail.

A 27-year-old woman, also from Otaki, was arrested at a second property and now faces 18 charges relating to the possession and supply of methamphetamine and GBL.

She has been remanded in custody to appear in the Levin District Court tomorrow.

The cash was located at one of the addresses.

Thompson says he encourages people to go to police if they see or hear about drug dealing in their community.

"The two warrants executed are examples of what can be achieved with the assistance of the community."

Anyone with information about any crime can report it anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.