Police have arrested three men and seized nearly 8 kilograms of synthetic cannabis after a series of coordinated search warrants across Christchurch this morning.
The operation involved five separate searches and uncovered a firearm, 50 rounds of ammunition, imitation firearms, a “significant” amount of cash, and assets suspected to be linked to criminal activity.
Detective Sergeant Brad Grainger said there had been an increase in the manufacture and supply of synthetic cannabis across the district in the last month.
“Although this is not a top-of-the-line ‘sexy’ drug, the significant increase in the supply of synthetic cannabis lately has affected retail offending and disorderly behaviour,” he said.
“It appears to have added to crime and disorder reported by local business leaders in the Christchurch area.”
Synthetic cannabis has been the most lethal form of illicit substances in New Zealand in recent years having been implicated in at least 70 deaths.
A 51-year-old man was arrested and charged with supplying a non-approved psychoactive substance, and unlawful possession of a firearm and was due to appear in Christchurch District Court today.
A 52-year-old man was arrested on charges of supplying a non-approved psychoactive substance, money laundering and unlawful possession of ammunition and was due to appear in Christchurch District Court today.
A 44-year-old man was arrested on charges of possessing a non-approved psychoactive product for supply, and for selling a non-approved psychoactive product, and is due to appear in Christchurch District Court 5 September.
Further charges were likely, police said.
