A large scale operation by Canterbury Police has been terminated over the last two days, blocking hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of synthetic drugs from reaching the black market and interrupting a significant South Island supply chain.
Canterbury Police staff from the Canterbury Organised Crime Taskforce have searched 10 addresses across Christchurch city, and seized a significant amount of psychoactive substances, as well as the products used to manufacture the illegal drugs.
Five people are facing charges so far in relation to the distribution network:
- A 31 year old man is charged with supplying psychoactive substances, possession for supply of psychoactive substances and unlawful possession of a firearm.
- A 27 year old man is charged with possession for supply of psychoactive substances.
- A 27 year old woman and 25 year old man are charged with supplying psychoactive substances.
- A 29 year old woman is charged with unlawful possession of a firearm.
Those charged have either appeared or will be appearing in the Christchurch District Court in the coming two weeks.
Police will continue to use all available investigative measures to disrupt and deter criminal offending and reduce the harm being caused to our communities.
Detective Senior Sergeant Jason Stewart says that while nationally there are fewer people using synthetic drugs than was the case before the drug was made illegal in June 2014, there is still a strong criminal market for it in Canterbury.
“There’s still a perception that because some synthetic drugs used to be referred to as a legal high, that it is somehow not as bad for you as other drugs. That is absolutely not the case. Effects of this drug can include psychosis, seizures and vomiting, and it’s very addictive. The supply and consumption are driving other crimes to fund user’s habits.”
“Synthetic drugs seem to be particularly popular among our young people, who may not fully understand that there’s no quality control on this material, and the exact ingredients and strengths are often unknown.”
“Canterbury Police will continue to intervene not only into this supply network but others we have identified. We will also be reaching out to the communities and young people that we’ve identified as being affected by this drug to offer preventative support, together with local health and drug counselling agencies to try to reduce further harm.”
If you or someone you know is affected by illegal drug use, you are encouraged to call the Alcohol and Drug helpline for free on 0800 787 797.
If you have information about illicit drugs in your community, you can contact your local Police station, or speak anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
ENDS
Detective Senior Sergeant Jason Stewart
Canterbury Police
