Five people have been arrested in relation to alleged drug dealing in Ōpōtiki – with police claiming children were involved in the offending.
Police carried out four search warrants on September 15 at addresses believed to be involved in the sale or supply of controlled drugs where drugs and evidence of drug dealing were seized.
At one address, children and young people were present and implicated in the supply of cannabis, which was of "serious concern".
Among the arrests was a 47-year-old woman who was on bail for selling controlled drugs. She was arrested again for the possession of cannabis and methamphetamine, and for breaching her bail conditions.
She was due to appear in the Ōpōtiki District Court today.
A 59-year-old man was arrested and charged with possession for the purpose of supplying cannabis. He was due to appear in court on October 23.
A 26-year-old man was arrested and charged with possession of ammunition. Police said further charges are likely in relation to drug offending, he was also due to appear in court on October 23.
A 17-year-old youth was also charged with possession of controlled drugs for the purpose of supply. He was due to appear before the youth court on November 13.
A 39-year-old man was charged with two offences in relation to displaying prohibited gang insignia. He was due to appear in court on October 23.
Superintendent Tim Anderson said police would continue these operations to disrupt the sale and supply of drugs to the community.
Evidence in relation to an ongoing motorbike disorder in town was also discovered and separate enquiries continue into that, police said.
Police also asked people who have any information to assist and identify suppliers of drugs to contact police via 105 or online. Information could also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers.
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