Whangamatā meth bust: Police seize drugs after community tip-off

Police located 16g of methamphetamine and other items used for the supply of the drug. Photo / NZME

Anonymous tip-offs from the Whangamatā community have helped police disrupt the supply of methamphetamine into the town.

Following the tip, police executed two warrants simultaneously at two separate addresses in Whangamatā on December 10.

They located 16g of methamphetamine and other items used for the supply of methamphetamine.

A 34-year-old Whangamatā man has been remanded in custody and is due to appear in Waihi District Court on December 15, facing charges of possessing methamphetamine for supply and obstructing police.

Sergeant Will Hamilton said the confidential informants were “the real heroes” in this story.

“This great catch was a direct result of information provided to police by members of the public.

“Thanks to the information they have given us, we were able to intercept a significant amount of methamphetamine, that was packaged and ready for sale to vulnerable members of our community.”

Hamilton said a “significant amount of harm” had been prevented thanks to people picking up the phone and coming to see police.

“Police have no tolerance for this type of offending, and it’s great to see members of the public standing up for their community and reporting suspicious and criminal behaviour.

“Drugs like methamphetamine cause untold harm to its users, their families, and the community as a whole.

“People steal to feed their habits and the damage keeps on going. Taking out these suppliers does a world of good.”

Police are encouraging anyone with information about any kind of offending to get in touch.

“Your identity will be well protected, so please contact us via 105 or come and see us at the local station,” Hamilton said.

Anonymous reports can also be made through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.