Police arrested 22 people in Northland this week in a massive crackdown on meth. Several of those arrested were patched gang members or gang associates.
As part of Operation Ghost, Police executed dozens of search warrants over the past three days across Whangarei, Dargaville, Kawakawa, Moerewa, Kaikohe, Kaitaia and Awanui.
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"At this stage, 11 males and 11 females ranging in age from 18 to 57 have been arrested and will appear in court on a range of drug charges and other charges," a spokesperson says.
Police seized firearms, a Taser and ammunition, along with around $40,000 in cash and seized 71 grams of methamphetamine. Stolen property and a quantity of cannabis was also taken.
The operation has been running since November 2017 with assistance from the National Organised Crime group. Whangarei Area Commander, Inspector Justin Rogers, says it's led to an outstanding result.
"We know the devastating harm that methamphetamine causes to users and these arrests will go a long way toward reducing the supply chain of methamphetamine in Northland," he says.
"There is a significant methamphetamine issue in Northland, however it is not a problem which is isolated to this region - it is an issue across the country."
And he has a warning for those continuing to sell drugs to the community.
"These arrests will not stop here," he says.
"We are dedicated in our ongoing efforts to identify and arrest those responsible for the manufacture and supply of illegal drugs and hold them to account."
Newshub.
