Police investigating the theft and illegal sales of Pounamu from South Westland have arrested another two men.
The men, aged 59 and 26, are both from Haast. They were arrested and charged last night. Both will appear in the Alexandra District Court on October 26, 2004.
The charges relate to the theft of Pounamu from remote areas of South Westland and laundering money from the sale of the Pounamu.
The latest arrests follow an intensive police investigation (Operation Roar) over the last 12 months.
Two Wanaka men arrested in May 2004 as part of the operation are to appear at a depositions hearing in the Alexandra District Court on November 8 2004.
Detective Sergeant Chris Roberts, of the Christchurch Police, says the investigation is continuing.
The operation followed a complaint to police from Te Rununga o Ngai Tahu, the owners of all Pounamu occurring in its natural condition in the region by virtue of the Ngai Tahu Pounamu Vesting Act 1997.
Maori regard Pounamu, also known as Jade and Greenstone, as a taonga or treasure.
Police from several districts of the South Island have been involved in the inquiry with support provided by Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu.
Detective Sergeant Chris Roberts
03 3637 412