Police arrested two men, seized 400 grams of methamphetamine, $40,000 in cash and a firearm in New Plymouth. Photo: NZ Police
The Taranaki Organised Crime Squad arrested two men and seized 400 grams of methamphetamine, $40,000 in cash and a firearm after exercising a series of search warrants as part of Operation Seconds in New Plymouth this week.
A 39-year-old man has been arrested and charged with supplying methamphetamine.
He is due to appear in the New Plymouth District Court on 10 May.
A 41-year-old man was also arrested and is facing 17 methamphetamine-related charges and a charge of unlawfully possessing a firearm.
He is due to appear on 4 May.
Detective Senior Sergeant Gerard Bouterey said enquiries were continuing and further charges were likely.
He said the methamphetamine had an estimated street value of $140,000 and removing it from the market could prevent up to $443,000 worth of social harm.
The firearm, cash, and a large amount of cannabis were also seized during the search warrants.
The Asset Recovery Unit had also begun work to seize or restrain vehicles belonging to one of the offenders.
Detective Senior Sergeant Gerard Bouterey said police remain focused on individuals who profit by supplying methamphetamine to the most vulnerable members of the community.
"The harmful consequences of drugs are wide-reaching and go beyond the individual user, and we often see this translating into other areas of crime.
"We want to reassure the public that we will continue to focus on disrupting the supply of methamphetamine in our communities."
He also thanked the public for its support throughout the investigation.
"We cannot solve this problem alone, and members of the public play a critical role in helping us keep their communities safe."
Detective Senior Sergeant Mike Fischer of the Central Asset Recovery Unit said the arrests were the culmination of a close partnership between his team and the Taranaki Organised Crime Squad, which targeted highly valued assets acquired through activities that seriously harmed people and the community.
"Those enjoying benefits from drug supply will eventually have to answer for their actions, and face scrutiny about where funds used to purchase the assets they possess for personal gratification came from.
"Removing the benefits these people seek through the drug dealing environment is key to protecting our people, their families and our communities."
