Hawke's Bay Police have disbanded a significant methamphetamine supply ring which they believe has been operating throughout Hawke's Bay and Auckland over the past year. This is the second major methamphetamine ring taken out in as many months by the Eastern Organised Crime Squad.
Three men aged 22 to 57 appeared in the Napier District Court today on charges of supplying methamphetamine and possession of methamphetamine for supply. One of the men has been remanded in custody. A 42-year-old man will appear in the Auckland District Court charged with possession of methamphetamine for supply, supplying methamphetamine and unlawful possession of a pistol. Further charges will be laid in the next few weeks.
Four houses in Hawke's Bay and one property in Auckland were searched by police in both cities yesterday. Nine ounces of methamphetamine were found in Auckland and three ounces were found in Hawke's Bay.
Head of the Eastern District Organised Crime group, Detective Senior Sergeant Mike Foster, said the operation was the second significant methamphetamine bust for Hawke's Bay in recent months.
"We identified the Auckland supplier and he is now out of operation. We have been working with Auckland Police who executed a search warrant north of Auckland yesterday where they found the offender as well as thousands of dollars in cash, a large amount of methamphetamine and a loaded pistol," Mr Foster said.
Methamphetamine, a large amount of cash, LSD and a boat were seized in Hawke's Bay. Mr Foster said there were gang connections to the group and further arrests were likely in Hawke's Bay.
"These people have been very active around Hawke's Bay for some time now and we believe over the past 2-3 months we have made a big dent in the supply of methamphetamine in Hawke's Bay. We will continue to focus on drug dealing within Hawke's Bay and Gisborne and because of the harm it is causing to our community. There will be no let-up in our fight against drug supply," Mr Foster said.
Further charges are likely against the four in court today.
Police encourage anyone with information about drugs or drug suppliers to contact their local police station. Alternatively, information can be left anonymously on Crimestoppers 0800 555 111.
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