Central Otago police have made further arrests relating to an ongoing drug ring, with a 25-year-old Tapanui man facing a raft of charges relating to the sale and supply throughout Otago and Southland.

Roxburgh police arrested the man on Wednesday and he appeared in the Queenstown District Court yesterday, for his part in selling and distributing Class A, B and C drugs in Central Otago, wider Otago and Southland.

Police were able to make the arrest following a line of enquiry after a vehicle crash back in August, where he was found to be in possession of cannabis and methamphetamine.

Central Otago police said arrests were also made on a 40-year-old man and 30-year-old woman in Southland in October 2024, regarding the same drug ring, and have not ruled out further action, encouraging the public to report any similar offending.

The Invercargill Organised Crime Unit with the assistance of the Armed Offenders Squad were involved in the earlier arrests, and the pair were then charged with numerous drugs and firearms offences.

Meanwhile, a 31-year-old man has been charged with the burglary of the Otago Southland Rescue Helicopter service, after taking a bag containing critical medical equipment from the Taieri air base on January 12.

A Mosgiel man faces three burglary charges following a series of break-ins including life saving equipment from the back of the Otago Southland Rescue Helicopter FILE SHOT

Helicopters Otago owner Graeme Gale had offered a reward of $10,000 for anyone who could identify the offender and return the vital life saving equipment.

Police issued a search warrant of a Mosgiel address on Wednesday, and arrested the man, who was also alleged to be involved in other burglaries.

He appeared in Dunedin District Court yesterday charged with three charges of burglary and two charges of unlawfully taking a motor vehicle.

Police continued to make enquiries into the incidents and further charges were likely.

Graeme told The Central App police did such a great job there was no need to pay out the reward to anyone.

In 30 years on the job, this was the first time an offence such as this had happened, and a few things had been changed onsite to increase security.

“We do have pretty good security but this was a criminal act and you can put everything in place, but it is what it is.”

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