No meth or arrests after search
A POLICE search of an alleged Oamaru Mongrel Mob pad turned up drug paraphernalia and ammunition, but no arrests were made yesterday, police say.
A search warrant executed at a Parsons Rd address targeting an alleged methamphetamine supply operation led to a subsequent search of a boat in Oamaru Harbour — there were no other property searches in relation to the suspected methamphetamine supply operation yesterday and police inquiries were continuing, Detective Sergeant Hannah Booth, of Oamaru, said.
‘‘There won’t be any arrests today — we’ve got a few more inquiries to do before any [arrests] will be made,’’ she said yesterday afternoon.
Armed Offender Squad members led the 9am raid of the former milk treatment station on Parsons Rd.
Roads leading to the Parsons Rd property, near Fenwick Park at the edge of Oamaru, were blocked by armed police officers, who diverted traffic for about an hour as the operation was under way.
About six patrol cars and a dozen officers remained at the scene about 10.15am.
Det Sgt Booth in July told the Otago Daily Times methamphetamine was ‘‘definitely more readily available’’ than cannabis in Oamaru.
At the time, she downplayed the likelihood of gangs being involved in the distribution of methamphetamine in town and said police efforts in town were focused on targeting users to reduce the demand for the drugs.
Yesterday she said police were ‘‘really concerned’’ about a possible Mongrel Mob presence in Oamaru.
An Oamaru fisherman who leased the Parsons Rd property contacted the Otago Daily Times and said he was ‘‘p **** d off’’ about the police allegations, which had resulted in him being kicked out.
‘‘I’ve got to move out of there now and it’s just f***ed my business,’’ he said. ‘‘I’m going to go and see a lawyer about this. [Det Sgt Booth] can’t say that.
‘‘Why doesn’t she say there was no methamphetamine found there?
‘‘You know when you’ve been into a Mongrel Mob headquarters. It’s just nothing like that.’’
In response to the man’s concerns, Det Sgt Booth reiterated police believed the property was used by the gang. She said an investigation was under way and declined to comment further.