15 Jul 2024

Police seize more than 2kg of cannabis found packaged in lolly packets in Ruapehu

2:37 pm on 15 July 2024
Cannabis was found in lolly packets after police carried out several search warrants in the Ruapehu District in July, 2024.

Cannabis was found in lolly packets after police carried out several search warrants in the Ruapehu District in July, 2024. Photo: Supplied / NZ police

Police say they have found cannabis packaged in lolly packets in the Ruapehu District.

More than 2kg of cannabis, five firearms, and stolen property have been seized after four properties were searched in Ohakune and Taumarunui over the past two weeks.

Senior Sergeant Grant Alabaster said he was surprised to see the cannabis packaged in lolly packets - "something new that we haven't seen before, and it really shows you what length criminals will go to".

"It is always good to get unlawfully possessed firearms off the street as it ultimately leads to the community being a safer place."

Firearms were found in the Ruapehu district after several search warrants were carried out by police in July, 2024.

Firearms were found in the Ruapehu district after several search warrants were carried out by police in July, 2024. Photo: Supplied / Police

Three men, between the ages of 21 and 27, face a total of 20 charges, including drug related offences/ unlawful possession of firearms and dishonesty offences.

They are due to appear in the Ohakune and Taumarunui District Courts over the coming weeks.

Police said inquiries were ongoing and they could not rule out further arrests.