Police have recovered about 1,000 kilograms of pounamu and charged three people in an operation targeting thefts of the precious stone across the West Coast.

West Coast Area Commander Inspector Jacqui Corner said detectives from Tasman and Central Otago executed search warrants on Tuesday 21 April at several properties in the Central Otago and South Westland areas.

“The operation follows reports of commercial sales of illegally sourced pounamu from the area and an ongoing investigation to track those responsible,” she said.

“During the searches Police recovered approximately 1 tonne of pounamu. This is a fantastic result but also frustrating, as it involves a taonga allegedly stolen for profit by individuals who, we believe, had no right to claim it.”

Inspector Corner said Police had been working closely with Poutini Ngāi Tahu, and iwi chairs had welcomed the continued support and ongoing investigations.

“The public are allowed to fossick for pounamu in approved areas, but this quantity can only be described as commercial.

“Education and knowledge is important. We work with Poutini Ngāi Tahu to help people understand what is permissible.

“But when it comes to what we’ve found here it’s very different to someone fossicking freely on a beach. This is large-scale theft.”

The pounamu, of various sizes, has been recovered as evidence.

A 50-year-old man and a 42-year-old woman from Tarras, along with a 62-year-old woman from Jackson Bay, have been charged with theft.

They are due to appear in the Greymouth District Court on Wednesday 29 April.

Police say they are limited in what further comment can be provided as the case is before the court.