Latest news with #TeWaipounamuGangDisruptionUnit
Otago Daily Times
3 days ago
- Otago Daily Times
North Dunedin raid part of wider drugs op
The armed raid of a North Dunedin property was part of a region-wide operation that ended with about 70 drug charges. On Thursday, armed police swarmed a Gladstone Rd, North East Valley property as part of a pre-planned operation. Two people were arrested at the property and appeared in the Dunedin District Court today. Detective Senior Sergeant Greg Baird, of Dunedin, said Southland and Otago Coastal Organised Crime teams executed 15 warrants across the district as part of Operation Strata — which the Gladstone Rd raid was part of. Raids were also carried out in Invercargill, Gore, Mataura, and other rural properties. ''Ten people have been arrested and are facing over 70 drug charges following a series of search warrants in Southland and Otago this week,'' Det Snr Sgt Baird said. The 10 arrested face numerous serious charges ranging from supplying methamphetamine, MDMA, cocaine, LSD and cannabis, to possession of restricted weapons and ammunition. ''Investigations are ongoing and we expect to make more arrests, and file further charges, in coming days.'' Approximately $16,000 of cash, ammunition, drugs, and other drug paraphernalia, were seized. Det Snr Sgt Baird said police's message was clear — drug dealers were not welcome in communities, and neither was the harm that comes with them. ''Operation Strata involved over 30 staff from a number of Police groups across the Southern District and South Island, including the Te Waipounamu Gang Disruption Unit based in Christchurch. ''Police will continue our focus on disrupting the supply of drugs to our communities, and holding to account those suppliers who make money through the harm and suffering of others.'' At least eight police cars filled with armed officers took part in the raid, which appeared to be focused on a private residence near the entrance to Aquinas College. They could be seen talking to an occupant of a house and appeared to search the property. A resident said she and some other neighbours had been keeping an eye on the property and the residents since they moved in. They had been concerned for awhile due to seeing strange activities, including a "patched gang member on a motorbike visiting in the early hours and leaving quickly". They also saw other suspicious activity, including people undertaking earthworks late at night, gas bottles being left "hissing", numerous locked sheds being built, and DIY street-facing security cameras that had been duct-taped to wooden posts.
Scoop
3 days ago
- Scoop
Ten Arrested And Charged After Search Warrants In Southland
Ten people have been arrested and are facing over 70 drug charges following a series of search warrants in Southland and Otago this week. Police seized approximately $16,000, ammunition, drugs, and other drug paraphernalia. The Southland and Otago Coastal Organised Crime teams executed the warrants as part of Operation Strata, targeting drug dealers with gang connections. There were 15 warrants in total, in Invercargill, Dunedin, Gore, Mataura, and other rural properties. The 10 people arrested face numerous serious charges, from supplying methamphetamine, MDMA, cocaine, LSD and cannabis, to possession of restricted weapons and ammunition. Investigations are ongoing and we expect to make more arrests, and file further charges, in coming days. Our message is clear - drug dealers are not welcome in our communities, and neither is the harm that comes with them. Police will continue our focus on disrupting the supply of drugs to our communities, and holding to account those suppliers who make money through the harm and suffering of others. Operation Strata involved over 30 staff from a number of Police groups across the Southern District and South Island, including the Te Waipounamu Gang Disruption Unit based in Christchurch. If you have any information about the supply of illicit drugs, please contact us through 105, either online or via phone. Information can also be reported to your local Police station, or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 0800 555 111. We encourage anyone affected by drug addiction to seek help through Alcohol and Drug helpline on 0800 787 797, or free text 8681.
