Canterbury Police, with the assistance of the New Zealand Customs Service and Ministry of Health, have executed seven search warrants at residential and commercial properties today as part of an ongoing commitment to disrupting the supply of drugs in the District.
Operation Mamba began in March 2015 and has culminated in today’s search warrants at various locations in Christchurch including Sockburn and Hornby.
Detective Sergeant Richard Quested who is leading Operation Mamba says “Canterbury Police are committed to preventing the harm illegal drugs cause in the community and this operation to disrupt the supply of synthetic cannabis in the District is one way to achieve this. Following the execution of seven search warrants today a number of items have been seized including an amount of cash, chemicals in liquid and powder form and plant material that has yet to be identified. Some of those items will be sent for analysis to determine what the substance is and it will be at least four weeks until the results are known.”
Canterbury Police investigations are continuing and a number of people have been interviewed today. No arrests have been made at this time.
“Unfortunately people in our communities know firsthand the harm that is caused by psychoactive substances and this is a significant concern to Police. The social harm impacts not only the user but their friends and families. Synthetic cannabis and other illicit substances cause unpredictable and violent behaviour. As with any drug there is also the deprivation linked to users spending money on these substances” explains Detective Sergeant Quested.
“Members of the public supplying information about illegal activity to Police either directly or anonymously through Crimestoppers make operations like Mamba possible. Police work with the members of the community who do not want their families and children growing up in a neighbourhood plagued by crime associated with the illegal drug trade. Canterbury Police will continue to seek out opportunities to minimise that harm and play a key role in ensuring that everyone in our District can feel safe and be safe ”
If you see anything suspicious or have any information about any crime or drug related activity in your community please contact local Police straight away or call 111.
Even if you don’t want to contact Police directly you can still play your part by providing information anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
If you, your friend or family member wants assistance with drug addiction contact the Canterbury Police Organised Crime Unit or the Drug and Alcohol Help Line by calling 0800 787 797, emailing ada@adanz.org.nz or visit their website www.adictionshelp.org.nz
Media note: if you need Detective Sergeant Quested to verbalise this release this afternoon by phone or on camera please text the Canterbury District Communications Manager on 021 942 404 before 3.20pm.
ENDS
Media contact: Lisa-Marie Brooks, District Communications Manager, Canterbury Police District. Mobile: 021 942 404