Police raids put 20 alleged drug dealers behind bars

A three-month long operation has put 20 alleged drug dealers behind bars after more than 120 police swooped on 17 gang properties in Papakura, south Auckland, early today.

Police said the raids, mostly on Black Power houses, uncovered drugs worth up to $70,000, firearms and a lot of stolen electronic equipment and revealed how the Black Power and Mongrel Mob gangs were working together on drug deals.

The 20 arrested people, ranging in age from 16 to nearly 50, are due to appear in court tomorrow on a range of charges, including possessing and supplying class A and C drugs and conspiracy to supply drugs.

Detective Inspector John Tims, crime manager for the Counties Manukau police district, said today was a "very, very good day for the New Zealand police and the good people of New Zealand."

The raids also uncovered an illegal drugs lab and Mr Tims said there would be more raids and arrests.

The raids showed the gangs were growing closer in their criminal activities.

"This clearly showed the gangs are working together to supply meth and cannabis in New Zealand."

Young children were at two of the houses raids today and Child Youth and Family were involved.

Mr Tims said the children were very young and were not part of the drug ring.

He would not say how police received the intelligence which led to the raids but said police could not fight crime without the help of the public and urged people to call the new Crime Stoppers confidential line on 0800 555 111.

"We can't fight crime by ourselves. We need the support of the community," Mr Tims said.

- NZPA