Dealers in 'misery' of meth targeted by police in Operation Ghost

Press conference on latest Northland meth busts. Inspector Justin Rogers (right), alongside NDHB general manager mental health and addictions Ian McKenzie. Photo / Tania Whyte

Police believe Operation Ghost - which concluded on Thursday with the arrest of 11 men and 13 women, ranging in age from 18 to 57 - put a significant dent in methamphetamine dealing in Northland.

The arrests, and the seizure of about $47,000 in cash, 72g of meth (with an estimated street value of $36,000), half a kilo of cannabis, firearms, a Taser and stolen property, concluded an eight-month investigation targeting meth dealers, with dozens of search warrants executed over three days last week, including in Kawakawa, Moerewa, Kaikohe, Kaitaia and Awanui, with more expected.

Gang members and associates were among those charged.

"This is an outstanding result. These people were actually dealing in misery in our community, and it will put a significant dent in those people," Whangarei Area Commander Inspector Justin Rogers said.

Twenty properties had been searched and more than 200 drug dealing charges laid, with assistance from officers from Tamaki Makaurau and the National Organised Crime Group.

Fourteen people had been referred to the Ta Ara Oranga meth programme for treatment, with well over 100 more yet to be referred as a result of the operation.

Inspector Rogers added that Northland had a significant methamphetamine issue, and the arrests would not stop here.

"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," he said.

"However, this is a community issue, and not just an issue for police. We will not be able to arrest ourselves out of this problem. We want to reassure the community that our focus is not only on arresting drug offenders but also to provide assistance and referrals to those who are addicted to methamphetamine and need help."

Police had received a lot of positive feedback from people who were pleased to see not only the arrests but the focus on public education regarding the harm down by methamphetamine.

Northland DHB general manager mental health and addictions Ian McKenzie said more than 300 meth users had been referred to Ta Ara Oranga for treatment in the last six months, adding that working with the police had made the "biggest difference."

Inspector Rogers said 308 methamphetamine users had been referred for treatment in the six months to March, 78 of them by the police.

Another 230-plus were being supported by Pou Whanau Connectors, a new non-clinical role established by Te Ara Oranga with expertise in tikanga and whanau with strong community links.