Police bust Hawke’s Bay meth operation, seize $57,500 cash, drugs and stolen items

Police target Flaxmere, Camberley, and Pandora in meth busts.

Police have seized drugs, stolen items, and about $57,500 cash after targeting methamphetamine dealing in Hawke’s Bay.

A 55-year-old man appeared in Hastings District Court today charged with possession of methamphetamine to supply and supplying methamphetamine.

He was remanded in custody to reappear on February 11, and police said further charges are likely.

The man was arrested about 7.45am yesterday in Hastings, by the police Armed Offenders Squad.

About $7500 cash, scales, and about 56g of methamphetamine was found in his vehicle, a police statement said.

The Organised Crime Unit, assisted by Offender Prevention Teams, the Armed Offenders Squad, and a police dog unit, executed three search warrants in Hastings and Napier later in the day.

In properties in Flaxmere and Camberley, police found a small amount of methamphetamine and cannabis, as well as stolen power tools, e-scooters and e-bikes, and a stolen Holden Commodore, police said.

At a commercial premises in Pandora, Napier, the Organised Crime Unit found $50,000 cash and 220g of methamphetamine.

Detective Sergeant Kris Payne said police work hard to disrupt the supply of methamphetamine and other drugs “as we see first-hand the serious impacts and harm these illicit drugs have on our communities every day”.

“We cannot do this alone, and we ask that anyone with information about the supply of illicit drugs contacts us on 105.”

Information can be reported to local police stations or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 0800 555 111.

“We encourage anyone affected by drug addiction to seek help through Alcohol and Drug helpline on 0800 787 797, or free text 8681.”