Twelve people were arrested in a two-day sting operation in Lower Hutt this week targeting suspected drug dealing and property related offences.
Detective Senior Sergeant Soni Malaulau, head of Lower Hutt CIB, says some of those arrested have been identified as key organisers of criminal activity in the area.
He says the Police Special Search Group, Drug and Bomb Dogs were utilised in Operation Eighty which was run in conjunction with staff from IRD to jointly target those arrested. About 40 charges have been laid.
"The people we targeted were those that we have identified as being suspected of drug dealing and involved in burglary and fraud related crimes.
"This operation was part of our strategy targeting repeat offenders and those that are directly affecting our community through the distribution of drugs including methamphetamine".
Items seized include a pistol and a semi automatic firearm, ammunition, three kilos of power gel explosives, and a work van valued at $50,000 containing tools valued at $70,000. Also seized was a quantity of white powder believed to be methamphetamine worth about $20, 000, separate bags containing what appears to be crystal methamphetamine, and a large amount of cannabis 'tinnies' ready for sale.
In one Stokes Valley house Police located a sophisticated cannabis cultivation set up in a concealed room.
"Police acknowledge public support in providing information which has helped lead to these arrests," Detective Senior Sergeant Malaulau says. "We still have a several enquiries to complete and further search warrants and arrests may follow.
"These short term sting operations will happen again. We will also target those who have breached their bail and curfew conditions and people who are wanted on other matters."
Media contact: Detective Senior Sergeant Soni Malaulau, Lower Hutt CIB, tel 04 560 2600.