Eight Arrested in Queenstown Drug Operation

Police have arrested eight people and seized cash and drugs following search warrants in the Queenstown area.

Over the past two months, Police have executed a number of search warrants in relation to the possession and supply of class A drugs.

During the warrants over $120,000 in cash was located and seized, along with over 60 grams of cocaine, and amounts of ketamine, GBL, and MDA.

As a result, eight men have been arrested and charged.

"To be able to take this many alleged offenders off the streets is a great result for the community," Detective Senior Sergeant Steve Salton, Otago Lakes Central Investigations Manager, said.

"Five of these men were security guards working as doormen at local bars and clubs, resulting in a security company losing their security licence.

"It's disappointing to see that people working in roles intended to keep people safe, are in fact doing the opposite and causing huge amounts of community harm in the supply of these drugs.

"Our enquiries into these matters are ongoing and we cannot rule out further arrests," Detective Senior Sergeant Salton said.

"Police continue to investigate the supply of illicit drugs in the Queenstown area and anyone with information around this type of offending is urged to get in touch."

Urgent information on offending that is happening now should be reported through 111 immediately.

Non-emergency information can be provided through 105, either online or over the phone.

You can also provide information anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.