35 arrests in Wellington drug operation

The Wellington Drug Squad has made a significant number of arrests, following a week long operation targeting individuals around the Wellington district.

Around 30 search warrants have been executed in the past seven days, with 35 people arrested for various drug-related offences.

Detective Senior Sergeant Paul Hampton says one of the most concerning aspects of Operation Mamba was the fact that a preschooler was found at a Newlands house where a clan lab, believed to have been used in the methamphetamine manufacturing process, was discovered.

Other significant Operation Mamba facts include:

- A total of five referrals were made to Child, Youth and Family over the course of Operation Mamba. - Police seized a large amount of drugs at various addresses, including methamphetamine, LSD, morphine and cannabis.

- One person arrested was found to have in excess of $64,000 cash in their possession, which was seized by Police.

- Police found three properties where cannabis was being cultivated.

- A huge amount of stolen property was recovered. It's not uncommon for criminals to exchange stolen goods in return for drugs.

- The seizure of several hundred thousand dollars worth of methamphetamine and other drugs at Wellington Airport about two weeks ago was also part of Operation Mamba.

- Police discovered some sophisticated surveillance set-ups at various addresses, including an electric barbed wire fence at one address and driveway sensors and security cameras at another property.

Detective Senior Sergeant Hampton says Operation Mamba should send a clear message to criminals that Police are taking a zero tolerance approach to drug offending in the Wellington district.

"Anyone dealing drugs or manufacturing drugs within our district can expect to be caught. We're confident we have disrupted the criminal fraternity significantly over the past seven days and we'll continue to conduct similar operations in the future."

ENDS

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