Police have put a stop to one of the Southern district's largest online drug operations that used Facebook to sell illegal substances.
After a four-month-long investigation, the drug bust stopped the sale and distribution of controlled Class A, B and C drugs with 12 people arrested.
Detective Senior Sergeant Malcolm Inglis said police were made aware of drug dealing on the internet earlier this year, sparking an investigation into the illegal network as police began targetting certain individuals.
Investigations found the alleged offenders used social media platforms like Facebook to sell these illegal substances.
Over the course of two days, nine search warrants were executed in the Queenstown, Wānaka and Roxburgh areas, with 12 arrests made.
Det Snr Srg Inglis said three of the 12 arrested are foreign nationals from France and Chile. Police have since seized their passports, and they face deportation.
One patched Mongrel Mob gang member was also arrested.
Queenstown Police have also recovered so-called "party drugs" at these addresses, including MDMA, cocaine, cannabis and LSD, as well as approximately $10,000 thousand in cash.
At one property, police discovered an offender growing cannabis beneath their house.
Police are aware that for the most part, these drugs have been sourced from the dark web and imported into New Zealand.
The offenders bringing them into the country have been motivated by money, Det Snr Srg Inglis said.
"These drugs have had a devastating effect on our communities," Det Snr Srg Inglis said.
"They have posed a huge threat to public safety, and police are aware of recent medical events as a result of the consumption of these drugs in the Queenstown bar scene.
"Police have a zero tolerance approach to any activity, substance or person that threatens public safety.
"Unfortunately, Queenstown has the highest rate of consumption of MDMA in the country.
"It is hoped this week’s successful arrests will help in lowering that statistic."
The police said they will continue to target more people like these.
"Police are committed to helping protect the community from drug harm and so continue to monitor the online sphere for illegal activity," Det Snr Srg Inglis said.
"Individuals involved in this offending profit from the destruction and social harm that drugs cause, with no regard for those they affect."
Anyone who has concerns about criminal activity in their community can contact police by calling 111 if it is happening now, and 105 if it has already happened.
Information can also be reported to your local police station or to Crime Stoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Anyone affected by drug addiction is encouraged to seek help through the Alcohol and Drug Helpline on 0800 787 797, or free text 8681.
The following list outlines the charges for the offenders:
- A 19-year-old man faces nine charges, including importing Class A substances and supplying them (cocaine, MDMA and LSD).
- A 32-year-old man is facing charges of importing a Class C substance (ketamine), supplying Class B substances (MDMA and ecstasy) on several occasions, and offering to supply Class A substances (LSD).
- A 34-year-old man faces charges of possession of Class A and C substances.
- A 27-year-old man faces two charges of supplying MDMA.
- A 25-year-old woman faces one charge of supplying MDMA.
- A 30-year-old man was arrested for possession of Class A and C substances.
- A 42-year-old man has been charged with possession for supply for cannabis, after an indoor grow was located at this address.
- Additionally, a 26-year-old woman has been arrested in Christchurch. She failed to stop for Police and fled in a vehicle, which she subsequently crashed. $15,000 was recovered from her vehicle and enquiries are ongoing into her role in the trade.
- A male passenger in the vehicle was also arrested after what was believed to be methamphetamine was located in the vehicle.
- As part of the operation two weeks ago, a 24-year-old man was arrested for supplying Class A and B substances, as well as cannabis. He has since appeared in court.
Most of these offenders have already appeared in court, with some due to appear over the coming days.
