Hawke’s Bay Police have made the largest ever methamphetamine bust in the region, following a six month long investigation into an organised crime unit operating across the Eastern district.
Over the last two days Police executed eight search warrants at homes in Napier and Hastings and arrested 13 people for high level drug offending. A number of those arrested are Mongrel Mob members.
Those arrested are facing charges including supplying methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine for supply and firearms charges. Some of the 13 have appeared in Hastings District Court today and the remainder will appear tomorrow.
Items seized in the search warrants include:
-Three kilograms of methamphetamine with a street value of approximately $2.5 million
-Approximately $343,000 in cash
-2,200 LSD tabs
-Eight firearms
-Six upmarket vehicles
-A new Harley Davidson motorcycle
“Our investigation team has spent months working tirelessly to dismantle this drug supply, and in doing so have prevented significant harm reaching our communities” says Detective Inspector Mike Foster.
“The destruction methamphetamine causes cannot be underestimated. Police and our community within Eastern district will not tolerate this sort of behaviour.
“Drug use is a driver of numerous other crimes so operations of this nature will continue to be a priority for Eastern District Police,” Mr Foster says.
As well as holding people to account, Police will ensure that those who are reliant on methamphetamine are referred to the relevant agencies to ensure they get the support they need to address their use.
“Let’s work together to ensure we stop drugs such as methamphetamine causing more harm to our communities by continuing to be vigilant to this type of behaviour.”
We encourage anyone who may have any information about drug related offending to contact Police. You can do so in confidence by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
