Date: 18/11/2009
Subject: Press release
Taupo area police have terminated a major drug operation in the Taupo policing Area
As a result of a month long investigation 18 search warrants were executed over two days in Taupo, Tokoroa and Putaruru.
35 police staff were used including specialist drug detector dogs and the Rotorua Armed offenders squad.
This Operation targeted the sale and supply of Methamphetamine, Ecstasy, Cannabis oil and Cannabis. An amount of all
types of drugs were seized by the search teams.
As a result of the Operation, Codenamed Operation Macbeth , 24 persons have been arrested for a total of 136 charges.
One firearm was recovered as well as a stolen Toyota Hilux and stolen property from recent burglaries.
Also arrested were patched members of the Mongrel Mob, Black Power and Nomad criminal gangs.
The Rotorua Armed offender's squad executed a search warrant this morning at a Tokoroa address using distraction devices
and this noise accounted for the gunshot type noises a number of residents heard.
Another significant find was found in Putaruru this morning. The Rotorua AOS assisted the inquiry team execute a search
warrant at a semi rural lifestyle address.
Located at this address was an underground bunker that had 84 cannabis plants growing hydroponically. Also found were
two shotguns and 7000 rounds of ammunition. As a result a 37 year old Putaruru man will be appearing the Tokoroa
District Court tomorrow on drug cultivation charges.
Also involved in the search warrants were bailiffs from the local fines collections units and as well as a motor vehicle
several thousands of dollars worth of items were seized in lieu of unpaid fines.
The communities of Tokoroa and Taupo had expressed there disapproval of drug dealing in their towns and the Police are
committed to create a safer community and will be again targeting drug dealers over the Christmas period.
ENDS