Interisland meth ring broken; two arrested

POLICE have broken a meth ring that allegedly transported the destructive drug from the North Island to the lower South Island.

The joint district operation involved officers from the Southern and Waikato districts’ organised crime groups.

About $130,000 worth of methamphetamine, $80,000 in cash, a Taser and cannabis were seized following the covert operation.

Dunedin police arrested Kelvin Bruce Wisely after a search warrant was executed at a rural Otago property on Wednesday.

The 48yearold digger operator faces a charge of conspiracy to supply methamphetamine.

Southern district investigations manager Detective Inspector Steve Wood said police would continue to target methamphetamine suppliers and dealers.

‘‘Drug use is a driver of numerous other crimes so operations of this nature will continue to be a priority,’’ he said.

‘‘The demand for methamphetamine is fed by those addicted and interventions are required in order to help these people.

‘‘Alongside investigations and prosecutions, we continue to work with Southern Health and other providers.’’

A 28yearold woman was also arrested in Hamilton as a result of the operation and was charged with supplying methamphetamine.

The woman appeared in the Hamilton District Court yesterday.

Supply of methamphetamine carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.

Det Insp Wood praised the work of officers in busting the supply chain.

‘‘The Southern district’s organised crime group worked tirelessly to dismantle this drug supply and it’s encouraging for everyone to see the work pay off,’’ he said.

‘‘The dedication of this team and the continued support from members of the public highlights that police and our communities will not tolerate this sort of behaviour.

‘‘This operation was an excellent example of cooperation between police districts to achieve a common goal of making our respective communities safer.

‘‘It signals that police across the country are working together to remove this destructive product from our communities.’’

Waikato district investigations manager Detective Inspector Graham Pitkethley said the destruction methamphetamine caused in the community was felt by many.

‘‘There are individuals and groups that seek to make money at the expense of those that have addiction issues and are driving the social harm across New Zealand. These groups and individuals will continue to be targeted,’’ he said.

Wisely appeared in the Dunedin District Court yesterday and was remanded in custody by consent.

He is due to reappear on August 11.

timothy.brown@odt.co.nz