A man has been charged and illicit drugs, $57,500 in cash, and a raft of stolen items – including power tools, e-scooters and a vehicle – have been seized following a police operation into methamphetamine dealing in Hawke’s Bay.
A man was arrested by the armed offenders squad in Hastings around 7.45am today. Following his arrest, police officers searching the 55-year-old’s vehicle found around $7500 in cash, scales, and around 56g of methamphetamine.
It was followed by three search warrants carried out by police in Hastings and Napier later in the day.
Police officers searching homes in Flaxmere and Camberley found “a small amount of methamphetamine and cannabis, as well as stolen power tools, e-scooters and e-bikes, and a stolen Holden Commodore”, Detective Sergeant Kris Payne said in a statement.
Meanwhile, the organised crime unit found $50,000 in cash, and 220g of methamphetamine at a commercial premises in Pandora, Napier.
The man appeared in the Hastings District Court today charged with possession of methamphetamine to supply and supplying methamphetamine. He has been remanded in custody and is due to reappear in court on February 11.
Further charges are likely.
Payne said police “work hard to disrupt the supply of methamphetamine and other drugs as we see first-hand the serious impacts and harm these illicit drugs have on our communities every day”.
“Police will continue to target those who supply illicit drugs, which cause extreme harm and damage to our communities. However, we cannot do this alone, and we ask that anyone with information about the supply of illicit drugs contacts us on 105.”
Anyone affected by drug addiction has been encouraged to seek help by contacting the Alcohol and Drug helpline on 0800 787 797, or free text 8681.
