Five people have been arrested and dozens of drug-related charges laid following a coordinated police operation targeting the supply and distribution of illicit drugs across Marlborough.
Operation Aisling involved the Marlborough and Nelson Bays Organised Crime Units, supported by the Offender Prevention Team, in a district-wide effort to identify and hold to account those involved in procuring and supplying illegal drugs.
Detective Sergeant Lisa Brent of the Nelson Bays Organised Crime Unit said the operation demonstrates police's ongoing commitment to disrupting organised criminal activity in the region.
"Police have no tolerance for those involved in the importation, supply and distribution of illicit drugs in our communities. We will continue to work collaboratively to identify offenders and hold them accountable," she says.
Three search warrants were executed on Tuesday in relation to the supply of the Class A controlled drug methamphetamine and the Class B controlled drug fantasy.
A 38-year-old Blenheim woman appeared in the Blenheim District Court on Wednesday charged with 30 offences, including possession of GBL for supply and possession of methamphetamine for supply.
A 42-year-old Spring Creek man was also charged with 11 offences, including importing fantasy and dealing methamphetamine. He appeared in court on Wednesday.
Another man at the same address has been charged with possession of cocaine and is due to appear in the Blenheim District Court on 16 September.
Police executed a further three search warrants on Wednesday.
A 60-year-old Picton woman has been charged with possession of methamphetamine for supply and dealing methamphetamine. She is due to appear in the Blenheim District Court on Thursday.
A 35-year-old Blenheim man was arrested and charged with 17 offences, including offering to supply methamphetamine, supplying methamphetamine, offering to supply cannabis, possession of methamphetamine for supply, dealing methamphetamine, possessing fantasy and possession of methamphetamine for supply.
Detective Sergeant Brent said the operation highlights the value of a coordinated policing response.
"These arrests send a clear message that Police will continue to target those who profit from the harm caused by illegal drugs. Our focus remains on disrupting supply networks and reducing the impact of drug offending across Marlborough and the wider Nelson Bays area."
Investigations remain ongoing and Police have not ruled out further arrests.
"We rely on information from the public and encourage anyone who knows about the importation or supply of drugs to come forward. Community information plays a vital role in helping us tackle this type of offending."
Anyone with information about drug offending should call 111 if it is happening immediately, or contact Police on 105 either online or by phone for non-urgent matters. Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
