Queenstown Police have put a stop to one of the Southern district's largest online operations for the sale and distribution of controlled Class A, B and C drugs.

Over the course of two days, nine search warrants were executed in the Queenstown, Wānaka and Roxburgh areas, with 12 arrests made, Detective Senior Sergeant Malcolm Inglis said in a statement..

Police were made aware of drug dealing on the internet earlier this year, he said.

This prompted a four-month-long investigation, Operation Connect, into the illegal network, as police began targeting certain individuals.

Investigations found the alleged offenders used social media platforms like Facebook to sell illegal substances.

Three of the 10 arrested are foreign nationals from France and Chile. Police have since seized their passports, and they face deportation.

One patched Mongrel Mob gang member was also arrested.

Queenstown Police have also recovered party drugs at these addresses, including MDMA, cocaine, cannabis and LSD, as well as approximately $10,000 thousand in cash.

At one property, police discovered the offender growing cannabis beneath their house.

Senior Sergeant Inglis said police are aware that most of the drugs have been sourced from the dark web and imported into New Zealand.

The offenders bringing them into the country have been motivated by money, he said.

“These drugs have had a devastating effect on our communities.

“They have posed a huge threat to public safety, and police are aware of recent medical events as a result of the consumption of these drugs in the Queenstown bar scene.

“Police have a zero tolerance approach to any activity, substance or person that threatens public safety,” he said.

Inglis said Queenstown has the highest rate of consumption of MDMA in the country and he hopes this week’s successful arrests will help in lowering that statistic.

“Police are committed to helping protect the community from drug harm and so continue to monitor the online sphere for illegal activity.

“Individuals involved in this offending profit from the destruction and social harm that drugs cause, with no regard for those they affect,” he said.

Charges for the offenders are: A 19-year-old man faces nine charges, including importing Class A substances and supplying them (cocaine, MDMA and LSD); A 32-year-old man is facing charges of importing a Class C substance (ketamine), supplying Class B substances (MDMA and ecstasy) on several occasions, and offering to supply Class A substances (LSD); A 34-year-old man faces charges of possession of Class A and C substances; A 27-year-old man faces two charges of supplying MDMA; A 25-year-old woman faces one charge of supplying MDMA; A 30-year-old man was arrested for possession of Class A and C substances; and a 42-year-old man has been charged with possession for supply for cannabis, after an indoor grow was located at this address.

In addition, a 26-year-old woman has been arrested in Christchurch after she failed to stop for police and fled in a vehicle, which she subsequently crashed. Fifteen thousand dollars was recovered from her vehicle and enquiries are ongoing into her role in the trade. A male passenger in the vehicle was also arrested after what was believed to be methamphetamine was located in the vehicle.

As part of the operation two weeks ago, a 24-year-old man was arrested for supplying Class A and B substances, as well as cannabis. He has since appeared in court.

Most of the offenders have already appeared in court, with some due to appear over the coming days.

Anyone who has concerns about criminal activity in their community can contact police by calling 111 if it is happening now, and 105 if it has already happened.

Information can also be reported to your local police station or to Crime Stoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

The police encourage anyone affected by drug addiction to seek help through the Alcohol and Drug Helpline on 0800 787 797, or free text 8681.