Waikato police bust drug ring

A major operation by Waikato police has resulted in 12 arrests after quantities of methamphetamine, cannabis, cash and stolen property found at several Waikato properties.

Those arrested are facing a range of charges including possession for supply, supplying cannabis and supplying methamphetamine, manufacturing methamphetamine, cultivating cannabis and receiving stolen property.

Three referrals were made to Child, Youth and Family after police found children at some of the properties being used to supply drugs.

Detective Senior Sergeant Nigel Keall said the operation was a planned response to information received from the local community and further arrests are likely.

"We are continuing to crack down on drug dealing houses and the criminals who run them as part of our sustained programme of enforcement to combat drugs and disrupt organised crime groups," said Keall.

"Drug dealing houses are hubs for criminal offending. The people who run them are dealing in drugs, particularly cannabis, but also often methamphetamine.They are also invariably receiving stolen property, taking payments for drugs and are involved with organised crime groups."

Yesterday, the Armed Offenders Squad helped in the arrest of a 37 year old man at a Nawton address following the discovery methamphetamine laboratory in a car at Karapiro earlier in the day. The man has been charged with manufacturing methamphetamine. Police are still looking for a second man.

The arrests included a woman charged with possession for supply and supplying methamphetamine. Police allege drug deals were arranged while she was in hospital awaiting the birth of her child. Child, Youth and Family were notified by the investigators.

Keall said the operation was an example of "the insidious and pervasive nature of methamphetamine" in the community.

- HERALD ONLINE