Drugs and guns seized in Police sting

Police have netted three wanted offenders after a month long operation which also saw firearms, drugs and a stolen car recovered in the Thames area.

Eastern Waikato Police commander Inspector Dana McDonald says the success of the operation wasn’t just in the arrests and seizures but in the level of other crime being prevented.

Police seize guns and drugs as a result of the operation.

“Earlier this month, officers carried out a search warrant on a Thames address which resulted in a 29-year-old man facing nine charges in relation to firearms, cannabis, methamphetamine, cannabis oil and cannabis resin found at the address.

“Building on the information last week, officers went to a Whiritoa address where a 42-year-old man was arrested.”
He’s facing charges for manufacturing methamphetamine, possession of equipment and chemicals used in the manufacture of that drug and possession of the finished product as well.

Dana says during the operation the value of intelligence based policing came to the fore.

“Building on information developed from the first property searched, members of the Thames Law Enforcement Team stopped a vehicle in Thames and arrested a 36-year-old man.

“A search of the vehicle, which had been stolen from Opotiki, revealed over 1kg of cannabis which had been packaged and labelled for sale, two firearms and some balaclavas to hide someone’s identity.

“Arrested and charged with 13 drugs, firearms and theft of motor vehicle charges, the man will appear in the Hamilton District Court later today.”

Given the quantities of drugs and equipment located and information obtained Dana says it was expected the operation had seriously disrupted the illegal drug trade in the Eastern Waikato.

“When you consider how closely the illegal drugs trade is linked to dishonesty offending we anticipate this will also affect the number of burglaries as offenders, who steal your valuables to fund their habits, find it harder to source their illegal highs.

“The key thing now is to build on these successes and the public can help us by doing their part. Drugs are sold or exchanged for consumables such as televisions or vehicles.”

Dana says by informing Police of suspicious activities when they occur, they can then work to roll up the other end of the offending chain- the receivers and burglars funding the drug manufacturers and distributors.

“If it’s urgent though the only way to ensure you get hold of us is using the 111 system, but if you have information we want to hear from you, alternatively Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 offers the ability to leave information anonymously.”