Porirua Police have made four arrests recently in relation to possession of methamphetamine for supply and recovered a substantial amount of what they believe is stolen property.
The arrests have stopped a large amount of methamphetamine from reaching the street, says Detective Senior Sergeant Mike Oxnam.
"It is part of an ongoing investigation by Porirua Police into methamphetamine dealing by the Porirua Mongrel Mob."
As part of the investigation, police have discovered what they believe is stolen property, very likely from thefts from cars, says Detective Senior Sergeant Oxnam.
"These arrests will put a dent in the methamphetamine market and hopefully also impact on the number of thefts from cars reported to police.
"The quantity of property seized from this one address is a stark reminder that people need to keep valuable property out of sight. There are some very active criminals taking advantage of the public's lack of vigilance about their property."
Arrests:
1. On Wednesday 23 May Police arrested a 40-year-old man at Wellington airport.
He was found with 80 grams of methamphetamine which has an estimated street value of $80,000.
A subsequent search of his dwelling in Paekakariki resulted in police recovering a substantial amount of property, which police believe is stolen, very likely from thefts from cars from throughout Kapiti, Porirua, Wellington and the Hutt Valley.
The man appeared in Wellington District Court on Thursday 26 May charged with possession of methamphetamine for supply. He has been remanded in custody to next appear on 1 June.
2. Another man, aged 39, was also arrested at Wellington airport. He was found in possession of 20 grams of methamphetamine (estimated street value: $20,000).
He appeared in the Wellington District Court on Thursday 24 May charged with possession of methamphetamine for supply. He has been remanded on bail and curfew to his home address.
Relating to a separate incident:
3. On Thursday 26 May, a 25-year-old man pleaded guilty in Porirua District Court to possession of methamphetamine for supply, which relates to 60 grams (estimated street value: $60,000) and $40,000 worth of cash found at his address.
Relating to another separate incident:
4. On 3 June, a 32-year-old man will appear in Porirua District Court for a pre-depositions hearing relating to possession of $97,000 of cash which the police believe relate to his and the Porirua Mongrel Mob's methamphetamine dealing.
Invitation to media:
Media are invited to Porirua Police Station at 3.00pm this afternoon to photograph the property police have seized. Police hope this will assist with identification and return of the property to owners.
Please report to the front counter and you will be escorted to the area where the property is being held.
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For more information regarding the arrests contact: Detective Senior Sergeant Mike Oxnam on Tel: 04 238 1400
For more information regarding the property contact: Detective Constables Paul Fantham or Brent Stonehouse on Tel: 042381400