Police have arrested eight people and seized drugs, firearms and cash following a coordinated crackdown on organised crime across Southland.
Operation Diablo saw officers execute 12 search warrants at properties and vehicles in and around Invercargill last week, delivering what police described as pre-Christmas visits to organised criminal groups.
The operation was led by Southland’s Organised Crime Group and Criminal Investigation Branch, with support from specialist units including drug detection dogs, and focused on gang-related drug offending.
Detective Senior Sergeant Greg Baird said the social harm caused by illicit drug supply was significant, adding that “gang members facilitating this don’t care about the damage they cause” and police would continue to hold them to account.
Five men and three women have appeared in the Invercargill District Court facing charges including possession for supply of class A and class C drugs, unlawful possession of a firearm and threatening behaviour.
Police say investigations are ongoing and further arrests or charges are possible, while urging the public to report drug dealing or criminal activity through 105, 111 in emergencies, or anonymously via Crime Stoppers.
Oh, so they can arrest people pushing dangerous drugs? Seems they are quite selective, in who they target, though.