Police target meth and organised crime

POLICE hope a ‘‘proactive’’ approach will help crack down on a methamphetamine problem in the regions.

Prevention Sergeant Derek Ealson said continued disruption of methamphetamine and organised crime remained priorities for police.

Two men appeared in the Queenstown District Court yesterday on charges of possessing methamphetamine for supply, which carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.

It follows an arrest in Cromwell on Monday.

Luke Anthony Bonney (26), of Dunedin, and Baily James Alexander ReadMcDowell (19), of Cromwell, were granted bail by Judge John BrandtsGiesen until their next appearance in Queenstown on November 11.

Sgt Ealson said the arrests demonstrated the commitment by police to protecting the community from the serious harm caused by organised crime and methamphetamine.

‘‘This requires a proactive approach from the community, police and our partner agencies with a focus on enforcement, prevention, treatment, and harm reduction.’’

‘‘We will not tolerate meth dealers benefiting financially at the expense of individuals, the family of the individuals and the wider community.’’

A surge of methamphetaminerelated arrests had also occurred in North Otago and police have confirmed the drug was becoming increasingly prevalent in the region.

‘‘Meth can drive many aspects of our reported and unreported crime — for example family harm, dishonesty crime and serious assaults,’’ Sgt Ealson said.