Charges after P, kids found in house

Two men and a woman have been charged after a police drugs raid yesterday on a suspected drug house in Manawatu where three pre-school children were also found.

More than $40,000 in cash, a small number of point bags of methamphetamine, cannabis, scales and documentation indicative of drug dealing were recovered during the raid on the Ferndale Place, Feilding, house, police said.

A 26-year-old Northland man, 23-year-old Hamilton woman and a 45-year-old Feilding man were arrested and charged with offences ranging from conspiring to supply methamphetamine, possession for its supply possession of material for its manufacture.

Sergeant Phil Gillbanks said a large container of white power was also found at the property but it was not clear if it was methamphetamine.

"What is particularly concerning is that three children of school and pre-school age were also at the address," he said.

"There are increasing reports in New Zealand of children living lives exposed to toxic chemicals; this type of activity is destroying lives."

Mr Gillbanks said he hoped the raid had put a "significant dent" in the distribution of methamphetamine across Manawatu.

Twenty police officers, including the armed offenders squad, took part in the raid which followed tip-offs from the public.

- NZPA