Three people have been arrested and ‘synthetic cannabis’ cash, and ammunition seized following five search warrants carried out across Christchurch this morning.
Detective Sergeant Brad Grainger, from Canterbury’s Organised Crime Team, said police had seen an increase in the manufacture and supply of synthetic cannabis across the district over the past month.
In today’s warrants, police located one firearm, significant amounts of cash, imitation firearms, 50 rounds of ammunition, 7.7 kilograms of packaged synthetic cannabis with an estimated street value of around $200,000, and possessions seized as suspected assets from criminal offending.
Synthetic cannabis has been the most lethal form of illicit substance in New Zealand in recent years, implicated in at least 70 deaths.
Source: Police
Detective Sergeant Grainger said the Christchurch Community Beat Team had heard directly from local retail staff and people sleeping rough about issues related to synthetic cannabis use.
“Although this is not a top-of-the-line ‘sexy’ drug, the significant increase in the supply of synthetic cannabis lately has affected retail offending and disorderly behaviour,” Detective Sergeant Grainger said.
“It appears to have added to crime and disorder reported by local business leaders in the Christchurch area. We’re pleased to have these people before the court, but we won’t stop there. We continue to investigate so our communities can be safe and feel safe.”
A 51-year-old man was arrested on charges of supplying a non-approved psychoactive substance and unlawful possession of a firearm. He was due to appear in Christchurch District Court today.
Source: Police
A 52-year-old man was arrested on charges of supplying a non-approved psychoactive substance, money laundering, and unlawful possession of ammunition. He was also due to appear in Christchurch District Court today.
A 44-year-old man was arrested on charges of possessing a non-approved psychoactive product for supply, and selling a non-approved psychoactive product. He is due to appear in Christchurch District Court on 5 September.
Police said further charges are likely.
High Alert, New Zealand’s drug early warning system, has issued five notifications in the past four years related to serious synthetic cannabis harm.
Anyone needing support for drug dependency is encouraged to contact the Alcohol Drug Helpline on 0800 787 797.
Police urge anyone who witnesses unlawful activity to call 111 immediately or 105 if it is after the fact. Information can also be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
