Police have arrested four people and have seized drugs and a firearm after intercepting a drug run headed for communities in the South Island.
Detective Senior Sergeant Shane Dye said the drug operation was allegedly supplying methamphetamine.
“Intelligence gathered by district staff suggested one or more individuals were frequently travelling to Auckland to collect methamphetamine, then they and their associates were selling it into the Blenheim and West Coast communities, particularly the community of Westport.”
He said police on Tuesday commenced an operation to intercept two men as they travelled down the country.
When the men were met in Picton and their vehicle was seized and searched, police allegedly located 500g of methamphetamine.
“Simultaneously, search warrants were carried out at addresses in Westport and Auckland.
“At a Westport address, a sawn-off shotgun and 15 ounces of cannabis prepared for supply were located.
“In total, three men, aged 53, 49 and 56, and a 36-year-old woman were arrested and jointly charged with possession of methamphetamine for supply.”
Police said the 53-year-old and the woman have also been charged with possession of cannabis for supply and unlawful possession of a firearm.
“Police are not ruling out further arrests and charges.
“We are pleased to have put a stop to this activity, which has been bringing illicit drugs into our communities and causing misery for those suffering from addiction and their families.
“We will not tolerate this type of offending and hope these arrests send a message to anyone else who is looking to profit from other people’s misfortune.”
