Police seize big haul of methamphetamine and cash, make Hamilton and Otago arrests

Senior Constable Brent Mitchell with drugs, cash and other items seized in Otago. Photo / Supplied

Police have seized methamphetamine worth $130,000, plus $80,000 in cash in a two-pronged sweep in Hamilton and rural Otago.

A 28-year-old woman in Hamilton has been charged with supplying methamphetamine and is appearing in the Hamilton District Court today.

A 48-year-old man arrested in rural Otago has been charged with conspiracy to supply methamphetamine and is appearing, also today, in the Dunedin District court.

Police said the arrests and seizures came after a six-week investigation into an alleged drug distribution network that supplied methamphetamine from the Waikato to the lower South Island.

Apart from the cash and 130 grams of methamphetamine, police also seized a Taser gun, cannabis plants, dried cannabis head and other items indicative of drug dealing.

Hamilton-based Detective Inspector Graham Pitkethley said the destruction caused by methamphetamine could not be underestimated.

"There are individuals and groups that seek to make money at the expense of those that have addiction issues and are driving the social harm across New Zealand, these groups and individuals will continue to be targeted," he said.

Dunedin-based Detective Inspector Steve Wood said police organised crime groups in the Waikato and southern districts worked together to dismantle the drug supply ring.

"This operation was an excellent example of cooperation between police districts to achieve a common goal of making our respective communities safer," he said.

"Drug use is a driver of numerous other crimes so operations of this nature will continue to be a priority as part of our district's Methamphetamine Action Plan.

"The demand for methamphetamine is fed by those addicted and interventions are required in order to help these people.

"Alongside investigations and prosecutions, we continue to work with Southern Health and other providers."