Key Takeaways
- A Southland police operation, Operation Diablo, has resulted in a mass drug and firearms bust, with eight people arrested and significant quantities of illicit substances seized.
- The operation targeted gang-related drug offending and was led by Southland’s Organised Crime Group and Criminal Investigation Branch.
- Police seized over 32 grams of methamphetamine, various quantities of cannabis, firearms and ammunition, and more than $3,000 in cash.
- The social harm caused by illicit drugs is significant, and police are committed to finding and prosecuting those involved in this type of criminal activity.
Introduction to Operation Diablo
Operation Diablo, a Southland police operation, has culminated in a significant drug and firearms bust, with eight individuals arrested and substantial quantities of illicit substances seized. The operation, led by Southland’s Organised Crime Group and Criminal Investigation Branch, was supported by specialist teams, including a Drug Detection Dog unit. The primary objective of Operation Diablo was to target gang-related drug offending, which has been identified as a major contributor to social harm in the community.
The Social Harm Caused by Illicit Drugs
Detective senior sergeant Greg Baird emphasized the significant social harm caused by illicit drugs, stating that gang members facilitating this type of activity do not care about the damage they cause. The harm caused by illicit drugs is multifaceted, affecting not only individuals but also communities as a whole. The presence of illicit drugs can lead to increased crime rates, social disorder, and a decline in public health and wellbeing. Detective Baird reiterated the police’s commitment to finding and prosecuting those involved in this type of criminal activity, ensuring that communities can live, work, and play without the negative influences of illicit drugs.
The Operation and Seizures
During Operation Diablo, police executed 12 search warrants around Invercargill, resulting in the arrest of five men and three women. The individuals arrested have appeared in the Invercargill District Court, charged with possession for supply of class A and class drugs, unlawful possession of a firearm, and threatening behaviour. The seizures made during the operation were substantial, with over 32 grams of methamphetamine, various quantities of cannabis, firearms and ammunition, and more than $3,000 in cash confiscated. Additionally, multiple electronic devices were seized, which will be subject to further analysis as part of the ongoing investigation.
Ongoing Investigations and Potential Further Charges
Police investigations into Operation Diablo are ongoing, and further charges and arrests have not been ruled out. The police are committed to thoroughly investigating all aspects of the operation, ensuring that those involved in gang-related drug offending are held accountable for their actions. The ongoing investigation will involve analyzing the seized electronic devices, as well as pursuing leads and gathering additional evidence. As the investigation progresses, it is possible that further charges and arrests will be made, demonstrating the police’s dedication to addressing the issue of illicit drugs and gang-related activity in the community.
Conclusion and Commitment to Community Safety
The success of Operation Diablo demonstrates the police’s commitment to addressing the issue of illicit drugs and gang-related activity in the community. The operation’s focus on targeting gang-related drug offending has resulted in significant seizures and arrests, sending a clear message that this type of criminal activity will not be tolerated. Detective Baird’s statement emphasizes the police’s dedication to ensuring that communities can live, work, and play without the negative influences of illicit drugs. As the investigation into Operation Diablo continues, the police will remain vigilant in their efforts to find and prosecute those involved in this type of criminal activity, prioritizing the safety and wellbeing of the community.
