Police find meth and cash, charge seven

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POLICE believe they have made a “significant impact” on the “P” trade in this region with the arrest of seven people on methamphetamine supply and possession charges.

Raids were mounted on houses in Gisborne and Wairoa on Sunday night and an arrest was also made in Auckland.

“We have arrested seven people as a result of those searches, in which a significant amount of cash and methamphetamine was found,” said Detective Sergeant Kevin Ford.

“The total quantity of the drugs and cash seized is still being collated.”

Det Sgt Ford said the investigation by Gisborne and Hawke’s Bay police had been running for a number of months.

“It culminated in last night’s arrests, which involve men and women from Gisborne, Wairoa, Auckland and the Manawatu.”

Police searched three houses in Gisborne and one in Wairoa on Sunday and during the day yesterday.

“We believe this operation will have a significant impact on the supply of methamphetamine into the Gisborne area,” Det Sgt Ford said.

“Our investigations uncovered a local methamphetamine syndicate with connections in Auckland and the Manawatu.”

The seven arrested were held in custody pending appearances in Gisborne District Court and North Shore District Court today.

“They face charges ranging from conspiracy to supply methamphetamine, to supplying methamphetamine and possession to supply the drug.”

Police would oppose bail for some of those arrested, Det Sgt Ford said.

“Methamphetamine continues to be a problem in our district and we ask anyone who has information about that drug trade to contact us.

“We want public help to continue to get those involved in the drug’s distribution.”