As stated by Senior Sergeant Brent Cook, West Coast Police:
Police executed two search warrants in Greymouth and South Westland early this morning in relation to an ongoing nationwide operation to target organised crime, drug dealing and illegal possession of firearms.
The search warrants were executed with the assistance of the Armed Offenders Squad and involved staff from across the West Coast area and the wider Tasman district.
A 35-year-old man was taken into custody and will be appearing in the Greymouth District Court tomorrow on charges of possession of methamphetamine for supply, unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, and possession of a class B drug.
Police located:
- Two firearms and ammunition
- Methamphetamine along with evidence for its supply, and utensils for its use
- $1850 in cash
- MDMA, a class B controlled drug.
This latest raid follows a weeklong transnational targeted crackdown known as Operation Black Onyx on illicit firearms which resulted in 43 arrests and 96 firearms being seized.
Officers working on the search warrants are not ruling out further arrests or charges.
Police will continue to actively target organised criminal behaviour on the West Coast and ask the public for assistance in locating these offenders.
If you know of illegal firearms, drugs, or any unlawful behaviour, call Police. Call 111 if it is an emergency, or 105 after the fact.
You can always report information anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
