Police in Otago Rural moved yesterday and today to terminate an operation in which they have uncovered large-scale dealings in LSD and Ecstasy in Wanaka.
Southern Police yesterday made arrests and seized large quantities of LSD, MDMA (Ecstasy) and cannabis in an operation targeting the flow of Class A and B drugs into the area in an operation dubbed Operation Viking.
Police conducted 10 search warrants at addresses in the Wanaka area and arrested 8 people.
They face a variety of drug charges including supply of LSD and MDMA (Ecstasy). They range in age from 19 to 49 years.
They were all due to appear in the Queenstown District Court today and at later dates.
Police are still seeking to locate a number of others in relation to the operation, which identified large-scale dealings in LSD and Ecstasy.
The operation which kicked off in July included using undercover police officers in the Wanaka area to infiltrate the local drug scene.
As part of the operation Police have seized approximately $13,000 in cash, located several indoor and outdoor cannabis grows, hundreds of tabs, as well as other drugs yet to be analysed by ESR.
As part of the operation, Police identified several people working in Wanaka during the ski season who had been dealing in Class A and B drugs.
"There is significant evidence that these drugs are causing serious harm in our local communities. We know of people who, as a result of taking these kinds of drugs, have suffered serious mental health issues, to the point of wanting to take their own lives,” says Detective Senior Sergeant Malcolm Inglis of the Southern District Organised Crime Squad.
"These drugs are destined not only for the young people who are working in the ski or adventure sports industries, or participating in the rave scene, they are being used and abused by all social groups across our community.”
“The alleged offenders involved choose to put their big lifestyle first, with no regard for the community harm and the wreckage that these drugs create in people's lives.”
The arrests and charges are the culmination of several months work by the Otago Rural CIB staff supported by the Southern District Organised Crime Squad.
"There has been a huge amount of police work gone into this, including staff working long hours and weekends to achieve a result. This outcome is the result of dedication and commitment from our staff," says Detective Senior Sergeant Malcolm Inglis.
Police say they are keen to hear from anyone who might have further information that might assist the operation. People with information can contact Wanaka Police on 03 443 7272.
Information can be provided anonymously to the organisation Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
ENDS
Released by Senior Sergeant Malcolm Inglis, Southern District Police Organised Crime Squad