A three-month intensive operation into the illegal supply of drugs and other proceeds of crime in Taranaki has resulted in six arrests, around $15,000 seized and a significant amount of drugs taken off the street.
Relieving North Taranaki Response Manager, acting Senior Sergeant Ben Patterson says Police executed search warrants at two New Plymouth properties last week.
Cash, cannabis, methamphetamine, a 308 rifle, shotgun ammunition, and a homemade taser, were discovered, along with several stolen items identified from historic burglaries.
“Not only were six people arrested as a result of these warrants, but we were also able to get these dangerous items and drugs out of the community.
“These arrests disrupt ongoing criminal activity, help reduce harm in the community and allows Police to hold offenders to account,” says acting Senior Sergeant Patterson.
A 43-year-old man faces a raft of charges relating to the possession drugs, possession offensive weapons, and receiving stolen property. He will appear in New Plymouth District Court on 15 October.
A 30-year-old New Plymouth based gang member will appear in New Plymouth District Court on 20 and 22 October facing charges including unlawful possession of a weapon and ammunition, drugs charges, and receiving stolen goods.
A 27-year-old New Plymouth woman faces cannabis possession and supply charges as well as possession of methamphetamine and utensils. She’s been remanded in custody and will reappear on 29 October in New Plymouth District Court.
A further two 31-year-old men will appear in New Plymouth District Court on 14 and 15 October on unlawfully possessing offensive weapons, pistols and other firearms, as well as supplying cannabis.
The arrests didn’t stop there.
When officers were undertaking a search warrant, a person of interest arrived and was arrested on burglary charges. Stolen items were recovered from a subsequent search warrant at the 39-year-old man’s address. He’ll be appearing in New Plymouth District Court on 28 October.
Enquiries are ongoing and further charges are possible.
“We have dedicated teams focused on weeding out those that supply drugs and allow any unlawful activity in Taranaki.
“Anyone that is aware of the supply of drugs or other suspicious behaviour is urged to contact Police,” says acting Senior Sergeant Patterson.
To report urgent incidents that are happening now, please call 111. All non-urgent information can be provided through 105, either online or over the phone, or anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
