Eight arrested after police drugs probe

Police said further investigation into alleged drug dealing activities resulted in the arrests. Photo / Brett Phibbs

Police have arrested and charged eight people with manufacturing and supplying the drug methamphetamine, or P, south of Auckland.

The arrests of five women, aged between 41 and 62, and three males, aged between 27 and 47, yesterday followed a raid at Pukekohe and Hunua properties last month.

After months of investigation Counties-Manukau Police Organised Crime Unit executed search warrants on April 16.

Quantities of white powder believed to be methamphetamine as well as chemicals and equipment used to manufacture it were found at the addresses.

Cash, firearms and other drug paraphernalia were also found.

Police said further investigation into the alleged drug dealing activities resulted in the arrests.

"These arrests should come as a warning to others involved in the manufacture and supply of methamphetamine that it is only a matter of time before police will come knocking at your door," Detective Inspector John Tims said.

"Manufacturing and supply methamphetamine are serious charges; this is reflected by the penalties being as severe as life imprisonment."

Four men were also arrested and charged last month for the manufacture and supply of P.

The men are Wayne Vandervan, 49, of Papakura, Robert Lorigan, 52, of Hunua, Eugene Rungarunga, 43 of Papakura, and Victor Lorigan, 51, of Pukekohe.

- NZPA