Neighbors Help Disrupt Waikato’s Methamphetamine Operation

Community indications of suspicious behavior led police to discover four commercial methamphetamine labs in Waikato.

Waikato police searched five addresses in Matamata, Waharoa and Morrinsville over the weekend and seized methamphetamine and large quantities of chemical precursors and methamphetamine equipment.

Three men and one woman, ages 35 to 59, have been arrested on charges related to the manufacture of methamphetamine and the supply of methamphetamine and will reappear in Hamilton District Court later this month or next.

Waikato Police Detective Inspector Graham Pitkethley said police identified the ring with the help of the community who noticed suspicious behavior.

“Our communities do not lose sight of the fact that methamphetamine use has the greatest impact on the most vulnerable and we must work in partnership to stop these types of crimes.”

Information provided on unusual or suspicious behavior, such as the comings and goings of vehicles at unusual times, chemical smells or the presence of security cameras, helped police build a complete picture of drug manufacturing, distribution and supply, he said. .

“These labs are extremely dangerous and we always encourage people to report their suspicions to us without doing their own detective work.”

Anyone with information on drug-related crimes, suspicious financial activities, or the identification and location of the proceeds of crime should contact the police by calling 105 or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.