Arrest Made After Drugs Seized In Southland
- Police arrested a man after firearms and drugs were seized from a Winton property.
- The search warrant led to the discovery of three firearms and the drug MDMA.
- The man faces eight charges and will appear in Invercargill District Court in October.
A Winton man has been charged after police seized firearms, drugs, and other items linked to drug supply during a search of his property. The search, carried out by detectives from the Southland Organised Crime Group on 23 September, uncovered three improperly stored firearms, $1,860 in cash, 4.8 grams of MDMA, and items consistent with drug distribution.
The 28-year-old man, who has since had his firearms licence revoked, is now facing eight charges related to drug supply and driving offences. He has been remanded in custody and is set to reappear in Invercargill District Court on 28 October.
Detective Sergeant Mark McCloy of the Southern District Organised Crime unit said the operation aimed to disrupt the local supply of illegal drugs. “It was concerning to locate firearms being improperly and dangerously held,” he said. “Holding a firearms licence is a responsibility that should not be taken lightly.”
He further urged the public to report any suspicious or unlawful activity to the police, adding, “We will continue our work to disrupt unlawful activity in an effort to help our community feel and be safe.”
The arrest marks a significant step in efforts to curb drug-related crime in the Southland area.