In the past two weeks, law enforcement authorities conducted four search warrants in Ohakune and Taumarunui, uncovering significant quantities of illicit substances and stolen goods. According to the New Zealand Police, these operations resulted in the seizure of 35 grams of methamphetamine, 2.7 kilograms of cannabis, five firearms, and stolen property that included power tools.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The searches, spanning the Ruapehu area, were supported by the Whanganui Armed Offenders Squad and a drug detection dog from Wellington, working alongside local Ruapehu police.
Senior Sergeant Grant Alabaster emphasized the importance of removing unlawfully possessed firearms from circulation, noting that the substantial seizure of methamphetamine and cannabis would mitigate potential societal harm. He also highlighted a surprising discovery: cannabis packaged in lolly packets, a novel tactic employed by criminals to conceal illegal substances.
“We were surprised to find cannabis packaged in lolly packets, something we haven’t encountered before. It underscores the lengths to which criminals will go,” commented Senior Sergeant Alabaster.
Three individuals, aged between 21 and 27 years old, are scheduled to appear in the Ohakune and Taumarunui District Courts, facing a collective total of 20 charges. Police investigations are ongoing, with the possibility of additional arrests not being ruled out.