Drugs bust linked to Hutt Valley criminals

File photo / Glenn Jeffrey

Police have linked a drug bust carried out yesterday to organised crime groups taking root in the Hutt Valley.

Three men were arrested in the police raids carried out at houses across the Hutt Valley.

Two were charged with drug dealing and the other with receiving stolen property.

An investigation into other offending found at the houses in underway, police said.

Upper Hutt Area Commander Inspector Mike Hill said groups of organised criminals had been setting up in the area recently.

There was a strong link between drug offending and organised crime, he said.

"Usually offenders steal property and cash and commit other offences to fuel drug habits and this type of behaviour is unwelcome in the Hutt Valley, hence our focus to stamp it out."

- NZHERALD ONLINE