Strong police presence at Ngaruawahia community meeting

Around 50 people gathered in Ngaruawahia tonight for a community meeting to address safety concerns.

It follows the high-jacking of the last community meeting by Tribal Huk gang leader Jamie Pink who promised to run drug dealers out of town.

There were no fireworks tonight and Pink did not make an appearance - maybe because of a strong police presence who say they were there in case he did turn up.

The issue of drugs, and in particular P, featured prominently in discussions.

Waikato Police Area Commander Inspector Nayla Hassan told the meeting the level of P dealing in the town has been taken out of proportion - and it's no higher than any other town in New Zealand.

Police said they were looking a fresh ideas to help the town, such as more rehab and more mental health facilities - as well as extra sports activities for kids.