Three people have been arrested, and synthetic cannabis, cash, and ammunition seized, following five search warrants in Christchurch this morning.
Detective Sergeant Brad Grainger, from Canterbury's Organised Crime Team, says there has been an increase in the manufacture and supply of synthetic cannabis across the district over the last month.
In today's warrants, Police located:
- one firearm
- significant cash
- imitation firearms
- 50 rounds of ammunition
- 7.7 kg of packaged synthetic cannabis - estimated at around $200,000 in street value
- possessions seized as suspected assets from criminal offending.
Synthetic cannabis has been the most lethal form of illicit substances in New Zealand in recent years, having been implicated in at least 70 deaths.
In talking with local retail staff, and with people sleeping rough, Detective Sergeant Grainger says the Christchurch Community Beat Team was hearing about issues related to synthetic cannabis use.
"Although this is not a top-of-the-line 'sexy' drug, the significant increase in the supply of synthetic cannabis lately has affected retail offending and disorderly behaviour," Detective Seargeant Grainger says.
"It appears to have added to crime and disorder reported by local business leaders in the Christchurch area," he says.
"We're pleased to have these people before the court, but we won't stop there, we continue to investigate so our communities can be safe and feel safe."
A 51-year-old man was arrested on charges of supplying a non-approved psychoactive substance, and unlawful possession of a firearm, and was due to appear in Christchurch District Court today.
A 52-year-old man was arrested on charges of supplying a non-approved psychoactive substance, money laundering, and unlawful possession of ammunition and was due to appear in Christchurch District Court today.
A 44-year-old man was arrested on charges of possessing a non-approved psychoactive product for supply, and for selling a non-approved psychoactive product, and is due to appear in Christchurch District Court 5 September.
Further charges are likely.
High Alert, New Zealand's drug early warning system, has issued five notifications
