Media Release: NZ Police from Commissioner Mike Bush
Ngā mihi. Operation Province, which targeted drug dealing in nine Police Districts, has highlighted the harm this offending is doing to the most vulnerable in our communities. It was shocking to hear about the presence of young children at many of the homes where methamphetamine, cannabis and other illegal drugs were being sold.
In one case, a woman was allegedly involved in the sale of methamphetamine to an undercover officer as she breastfed her infant, and a total of 40 children aged between three weeks to 16 years were found in the drug dealing houses investigated.
Concerns for the safety and welfare of some of these children has seen us make a number of referrals to Child Youth and Family. Protecting vulnerable members of our communities is also a major reason why we put so much effort into disrupting the illegal drugs trade and the organised crime groups that run it.
Operation Province was a huge success, with 155 arrests and the seizure of large quantities of cannabis and methamphetamine. More than $11 million worth of property was also restrained or is the subject of further investigation.
Well done to Detective Inspector Craig Scott and staff across the country who helped achieve this great result