Arrests around district as police target drugs, thefts - Gisborne Herald

ELEVEN Gisborne people and nine in Wairoa were arrested earlier this week in an extensive district-wide police operation targeting drug dealers, burglars and receivers of stolen property.

Thirty arrests were made in the operation across the Eastern Police District.

Head of the district's organised crime unit, Detective Senior Sergeant Mike Foster, said police were specifically targeting known offenders.

"There is no doubt that burglaries are inexplicably linked to drugs," he said.

Police searched 24 properties district-wide, with more than 40 officers involved in the operation.

Gisborne Detective Senior Sergeant Craig Scott said stolen property was often used as a currency in the drug world.

Nine houses were searched in Gisborne and the arrests made related to cannabis offences, burglary and receiving stolen property.

"At one house we found 156 cannabis tinnies," said Det Snr Sgt Scott.

Approximately $7000-worth of stolen property was recovered, including two laptop computers, two television sets, clothing and jewellery, along with $5000 cash.

"We want the public to continue to help us identify drug-dealing houses because, as these results confirm, they are strongly linked to burglary and other dishonesty offences."

Det Snr Sgt Scott said if anyone had any information that could help, they should call Gisborne police on 869 0200 or Crimestoppers 0800 555 111, and any information could be treated confidentially.

? TWO men were arrested on Monday and charged with the possession for supply of what were allegedly ecstasy tablets.

The 18 and 26-year-old were arrested after the vehicle they were travelling in was pulled over by members of the Gisborne CIB and armed offenders squad.

Det Sen Sgt Scott said the 500 pills seized would have a street value of more than $20,000.

"A cut-down .22 rifle and ammunition was also found during the search of a house, and is linked to the drugs seizure," he said.

The arrested men have been remanded on bail until January 7, after initial appearances in Gisborne District Court.

Det Snr Sgt Scott said police would then lay further charges, including unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition.

"People should be warned that buying illegal pills involves a real risk to the purchaser, because the true contents are never known, and ingredients vary between different manufacturers.

"There have been a number of cases where people have been hospitalised following severe adverse reactions."