A meths lab was located in a city motel unit by the Canterbury Drug Squad yesterday afternoon after they were notified by an alert motelier.
This is the first lab located in a motel in Canterbury though DSS Greg WILLIAMS says he is aware they have been used previously.
As a result of the operation a 26 year old man, thought to have recently arrived from Whangarei, has been charged with manufacturing methamphetamine and possession of methamphetamine for supply.
Detective Senior Sergeant WILLIAMS says that recently police have been building a strong liaison with the Motel Association to highlight this well known method of manufacture.
"This is part of Operation Curse, where we are targeting cooks brought in from outside the district to manufacture meths here," he says. "Motels are known to be used by transient cooks."
Operation Curse was set up three months ago to focus on cooks coming in to Canterbury.
"As with chemical companies and pharmacists, through our close liaison with the Motel Association, owners are now well aware of the signs of meths manufacture. This is an excellent result."
Police including specialist staff are still searching the scene today.