Police net alleged drug dealer – meth,

A 51-year-old man has been remanded in custody facing high-grade methamphetamine supply and other drugs charges, involving pre-packaged methamphetamine, LSD cannabis, morphine and drug paraphernalia, all allegedly found inside a campervan.

Acting Inspector and Invercargill Area Prevention Manager Mel Robertson says the man was arrested and charged after officers located more than an ounce of high-grade methamphetamine, cannabis, morphine, LSD, cash, drug paraphernalia and multiple mobile devices, during a vehicle search locally. “Evidence suggests a quantity of methamphetamine had allegedly been disposed of prior to arrest,” she says.

Police also allegedly recovered pre-packaged methamphetamine, LSD tabs and a “significant amount” of cash. The man was also charged with firearm-related offences and an ammunition belt containing 13 12-gauge shotgun rounds was also located at an address of interest, she says. “This arrest reflects our ongoing efforts to disrupt the supply of harmful substances in the community and hold offenders to account,” Robertson says.

Police are in the process of restraining, and hopefully forfeiting the campervan, which is estimated to be worth over $200,000.

A 51-year-old man is facing charges of possession of methamphetamine for supply, obstructing Police, supplying methamphetamine, possession of morphine, possession of LSD, and unlawfully possessing ammunition.

The man is due to reappear in the Dunedin District Court on 21 August.

Robertson says Police will continue to disrupt and take down the supply of harmful substances into our communities, while Area Commander Southland Inspector Mike Bowman assures offenders will be held to account.

“This arrest is the result of significant and complex work by officers from all over the Southern Policing District,” he says.

“Every time we can take drug dealers, who trade on people’s suffering, off the streets, it makes our communities safer.

“Drug dealing and the downstream effects, such as drug-related crime, causes harm that we all feel.

“Southern Police will continue to stamp out drug dealing wherever we see it.”

“The operation to shut this down was a whole-of-district, multi-team effort, with outstanding contributions across the board," Bowman says.