Canterbury Police have completed a two month long Prevention operation targeting drugs, gangs and organised crime.
Detective Senior Sergeant Jason Stewart says “We focussed our efforts at reducing victimisation caused by drugs, gangs and organised crime in Canterbury District. During the two month operation 49 people were arrested and appeared in Christchurch District Court on a range of charges including cultivating cannabis, possession to supply cannabis, selling a psychoactive substance, possession of a psychoactive substance for supply and unlawful possession of a firearm.”
21 search warrants were executed at residential properties across the District and items seized included seven firearms, 161 cannabis plants, 151 cannabis cuttings, over 2kg cannabis head, over 180g of synthetic cannabis and a quantity of stolen property.
Operation Focus used a variety of strategies and targeted interventions including:
• Reducing the opportunity for crime to occur
• Cold calling locations based on information received from the public
• Identifying at risk individuals to break the cycle of crime
• Rehabilitating offenders through programs such as Drug and Alcohol, Stopping Violence and Gambling Counselling
• Redirection into other areas such as employment, study, sports and culture by those with a positive influence in peoples’ lives
Over 120 people were referred to support agencies by Police as part of Operation Focus.
“Opportunistic crime such as burglary and theft are often carried out to fund people’s drug habits. Police and support agencies cannot address this issue alone and Police urge anyone who knows friends or family members who are involved in drug use or criminal offending to help them break their habit by seeking help” explained Detective Senior Sergeant Stewart.
Following on from the success of Operation Focus Canterbury Police continue to focus on minimising crime in the District by targeting people with outstanding Warrants To Arrest (WTA) particularly those who have breached their bail conditions or failed to appear in court.
Senior Sergeant Phil Dean says “Canterbury Police are routinely arresting people who have a WTA however of concern are those people who have been bailed and do not turn up for court. This wastes not only court time but also the time spent by Police to locate them. Encourage anyone you know who has a WTA to go the District Court during working hours or provide information anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
If you, your friend or family member wants assistance with drug addiction, Police encourage them to contact the Drug and Alcohol Help Line 0800 787 797, e-mail ada@adanz.org.nz or visit www.adictionshelp.org.nz
ENDS
Issued by: Lisa-Marie Brooks, District Communications Manager, Canterbury Police District. Mobile: 021 942 404
