Canterbury Police Target Synthetic Cannabis Operation
Police today terminated Operation Ellerslie, a two-month
long investigation
targeting offenders allegedly
supplying synthetic cannabis across Canterbury.
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warrants executed at properties in Sockburn, Papanui,
Avonhead,
Riccarton and Somerfield this morning saw
Police locate and seize over three
kilograms of
synthetic cannabis and approximately $40,000 in
cash.
Three people, a 50-year-old woman, and two men
aged 28 and 61 will appear in
Christchurch District
Court tomorrow charged with drug related
offences
including supplying controlled drugs,
possession of controlled drugs for
supply and
participating in an organised criminal group.
A
21-year-old man and a 24-year-old woman have been charged
with
participating in an organised criminal group
and drugs related offences. The
man is due to
appear in the Christchurch District Court on 9 November,
and
the woman on 10 November.
“We know
synthetic cannabinoids are highly addictive and have the
ability
to cause significant physical and mental
harm, including potential fatal
seizures,” says
Detective Senior Sergeant Joel Syme.
“Suppliers of
synthetic cannabinoids target and sell their products to
some
of the most vulnerable members of our
community and we believe the
termination of this
operation will disrupt the supply of these drugs
across
the district."
Canterbury Police will
continue to target organised criminal groups
involved
in the supply of synthetic drugs.
We
also encourage anyone affected by harmful drug use, and
friends and
whānau of those using synthetic drugs,
to seek help through their local
health provider or
contact the Alcohol and Drug Helpline on 0800 787 797
or
free text 8681.
Anyone with information
about the sale or supply of drugs is urged to
contact
Police on 105, or provide information
anonymously through Crime Stoppers on
0800 555
111.