Monday 2 May 2008

Manukau Mayor welcomes police action against drugs and gangs

Manukau Mayor Len Brown is congratulating police on their fine work over the last six months to make inroads into local drug and gang operations.

"Drugs like methamphetamine are a cancer on our society and have deeply harmed our city, especially our young people, some of whom have become addicted or have gravitated to gang life to the ruination of their futures.

"Our community has been calling for strong action to deal with this scourge for some time now.

"We all appreciate and thank Counties Manukau police in particular for the progress which has been announced today.

"Their focus on groups like the Killer Beez gang is particularly welcome. It's about time the true nature of groups like this saw the light of day."

Mr Brown says the links between burglaries, theft and other crime and the illicit drug scene is well known.

"The police action announced today should serve as a major warning to anyone wanting to sell or distribute illegal drugs in Manukau.

"The criminal drug world is not welcome here and can look forward to swift action from the police, our council and the community to oppose it."

Mr Brown says while enforcement of the law is vital, there's also a lot of effort going into making sure young people in Manukau don't get drawn into gangs.

"This is a wider issue which our community, council and agencies are addressing on many fronts."

To find out more about the police announcement go to www.police.govt.nz/news/release/3920.html

ENDS

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