By Emily Norman
A Wairarapa meth distribution ring involving Head Hunters gang members has been raided by police.
Two men, aged 25 and 29 were arrested on Thursday, amid a heavy police presence in Featherston.
A third man, also linked to the Head Hunters gang, was arrested yesterday.
Police would not confirm where these arrests were made.
The three men will appear in Masterton District Court on Monday charged with offences relating to the sale and distribution of methamphetamine.
They will remain in police custody until then.
Detective Senior Sergeant Nick Pritchard of the National Organised Crime Group said the investigation, known as Operation Frozen, had exposed a distribution network involving the Head Hunters gang, which extended beyond Wairarapa.
“The investigation is ongoing and while I cannot provide additional detail at this stage, there may be further arrests in coming days.”
Wairarapa Detective Senior Sergeant Barry Bysouth said Wairarapa police were dedicated to clearing methamphetamine out of the community.
“The community just need to be aware that even though it might not be obvious all the time, we’re working really hard to identify the methamphetamine that we have in our area and identify the people who supply it.
“This is a good example of the work we’re doing in that area and we will continue to track down meth dealers in Wairarapa.
“The expectation from the public is that we protect our community from methamphetamine and we will continue to do so.”
Mr Bysouth said he would encourage anyone who is either struggling with methamphetamine themselves, or who knew someone who was, to seek help.
“You can approach police direct, or make contact with Te Hauora Runanga O Wairarapa, or Pathways Wairarapa,” he said.
“For anonymous help, you can call the alcohol and drug helpline on 0800 787 797.”
