Pounamu theft: Trio charged over 1000kg haul from the West Coast

Police have charged three people with theft after 1000kg of pounamu was seized from multiple properties. Photo / Police

Three people have been charged over the alleged theft of 1000kg of pounamu in the West Coast.

West Coast Area Commander Inspector Jacqui Corner said detectives from Tasman and Central Otago executed search warrants on April 21, targeting several properties in Central Otago and South Westland.

“During the searches police recovered approximately 1 tonne of pounamu.

“This is a fantastic result but also frustrating, as it involves a taonga allegedly stolen for profit by individuals who, we believe, had no right to claim it.”

Three people will appear in the Greymouth District Court on April 29 over the alleged theft. Photo / Police

The pounamu, of various sizes, has been recovered by police as evidence.

Two women and a man have been charged with theft.

Police have charged three people with theft after 1000kg of pounamu was seized from multiple properties. Photo / Police

The operation followed reports of illegally sourced stone from the area being sold commercially and an ongoing investigation to track those responsible, said Corner.

Police had been working closely with Poutini Ngāi Tahu.

Iwi chairs had welcomed the continued support and ongoing investigations, said Corner.

Police have called the operation a "large-scale theft". Photo / Police

“The public are allowed to fossick for pounamu in approved areas, but this quantity can only be described as commercial.

“Education and knowledge is important. We work with Poutini Ngāi Tahu to help people understand what is permissible.

“But when it comes to what we’ve found here, it’s very different to someone fossicking freely on a beach. This is large-scale theft.”

Police have filed charges of theft against a 50-year-old male and a 42-year-old female from Tarras, and a 62-year-old woman from Jackson Bay.

They are due to appear in the Greymouth District Court on April 29.