Police operation hits Nelson drug networks

Four people have been charged after raids across Nelson netted methamphetamine, cannabis and a Taser.

Police yesterday revealed they carried out search warrants at four houses, two in Stoke, one in Stepneyville and one in Toi Toi last Thursday, after an investigation lasting several months.

They also recovered drug para- phernalia and cash, alongside methamphetamine and cannabis

Two men and two women have been bailed on charges including offering to supply methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine and possession of cannabis.

Appearing in Nelson District Court yesterday, 48-year-old John Batchelor of Wellington was remanded on bail without plea on charges of procuring and possessing methamphetamine, and procuring and possessing cannabis plant.

Batchelor, a man aged 29, and women, aged 42 and 34, are due to reappear in Nelson District Court on December 19.

The 34-year-old woman also faces charge of unlawful possession of a restricted weapon.

The parties were known to each other, a police spokesman said.

The search warrants were the result of an investigation that focused on a small number of Nelson people with gang affiliations, and with suspected propensity toward drug dealing, a police spokesman said.

Tasman District Crime Manager, Detective Inspector Paul Borrell said the Tasman police district was ‘‘absolutely committed to exposing and apprehending those who involved themselves in the dealing of drugs’’.

‘‘Most of us are aware of the significant harm that many of these drugs cause, especially methamphetamine and as such, we are committed to similar future operations.’’