Eastern District Police
Media Statement
16 November 2006
Eastern District Police raided 34 addresses early this morning continuing their hard line against organised crime in the district.
Over 80 police were involved in searching addresses in Hastings, Napier, Gisborne and Wairoa as part of Operation Nacre. Police say all addresses are linked to the distribution of controlled drugs.
Detective Sergeant Warren Murdoch said Police were expecting in excess of 45 arrests to be made throughout the morning.
"Today's work is the culmination of seven months hard work by the team."
"It is also a continuation of the pressure we are exerting on organised crime in this district. We are focused on getting to their distribution networks and disabling them," Mr Murdoch said.
The operation is the second coordinated by the Hastings Police Organised Crime Unit in the past four months. In August Operation Oyster netted over 40 arrests, an indoor cannabis operation, quantities of cannabis, methamphetamine and a firearm.
A third similar operation, targeting the Wairoa Mongrel Mob, was executed in July. Seventeen gang members were arrested and charged with a variety of drug and firearms charges, including charges for possessing explosives and equipment used for the manufacture of methamphetamine.
Eastern District Crime Services Manager, Detective Inspector Sam Aberahama, says Police are very pleased with the success of the operations.
"Eastern District Police are committed to reducing the effects that organised criminal activity is having on our communities."
"We are determined to continue putting pressure on gangs and their associates. If they choose to continue with this lifestyle they can be assured that Police will target them," Mr Aberahama says.
He says information from the community led to some of the results achieved in today's operation.
"We would like to thank the public for their assistance and encourage people to call us if they have information in relation to organised criminal activity.
They can use the Crimeline 0800 567 789."
ENDS
A press conference will be held in Hastings later today. Police will be able to update media at that time.
For further information please call
Jane Archibald
Media Liaison
027 568 0267