Dunedin drugs sting nets 20

A major police swoop on the supply of ecstasy into Dunedin culminated today in the arrest of 20 people.

The sting was phase two of Operation Harbour, which has resulted in a total of 53 drug-related arrests this month, including four in Auckland.

Detective Sergeant Graeme Scott, of Dunedin, said a number of people were still being sought.

The first phase of the operation, which ended on August 9, resulted in 29 arrests, relating to the supply and possession for supply of methamphetamine and ecstasy into Dunedin.

The 20 Dunedin people arrested today were charged with offences in relation to the supply and conspiracy to supply ecstasy.

They have appeared in Dunedin District Court.

The four in Auckland were charged with a variety of drug dealing offences, Mr Scott said.

Operation Harbour involved 80 staff, including police outside the Dunedin region, and customs staff.

Mr Scott said it appeared the majority of the drugs involved had been sourced in Auckland and sold in Dunedin.

"Of concern to the police was the willingness of individuals to supply controlled drugs to friends and associates," he said.

"There seemed to be a culture among many of these people that the social use of controlled drugs was acceptable."

Those charged today were remanded to reappear in Dunedin District Court on September 12, where many will face further charges, Mr Scott said.

- NZPA