Crimeline: Five arrested for supplying cocaine
Five arrested for supplying cocaine
Five local men have been arrested by the Queenstown CIB on alleged cocaine charges in the last two weeks, with Police warning such activities will not be tolerated. Sergeant Blair Duffy says the five men were arrested for the alleged sale and supply of cocaine – a Class A drug.
“Police are aware of the harm the use of illicit drugs causes to our communities and as such will not tolerate these activities,” Duffy says.
He says they’re urging anyone with information about the sale, supply or possession of illegal drugs to get in touch with Police, either directly or anonymously through Crimestoppers (0800 555 111). “The public’s help in relation to assisting Police investigate drug related offences is critical and plays a very important role in enabling Police to identify and deal with those involved,” Duffy says.
Serious assaults
- Offensive weapon
Two local teenagers have been charged with a number of violence-related offences, including alleged assault and possession of an offensive weapon, after allegedly entering a Frankton residential address at 6.45pm on Sunday, 19 April, Duffy says. The two young men, aged 18 and 19, allegedly assaulted the two occupants of the address who had approached them. Further charges of possession of cannabis and being unlawfully on a property have also been laid, he says.
Left unconscious
A man was allegedly left unconscious after a serious assault on Buckingham Street in Arrowtown around 5pm on Saturday, 18 April. Duffy says members of the public came to the man’s assistance. A local 28-year-old man has been arrested and charged with assault and intent to injure.
Police chase, use spikes – Fleeing driver evades arrest
Police are “following positive lines of enquiry” in their hunt for the driver of a vehicle who allegedly fled on foot in the Cardrona Valley after a prolonged Police chase that only ended when the vehicle was spiked, Duffy says. Police had attempted to stop the vehicle in Frankton around 7pm on Friday, 17 April, with the driver allegedly fleeing from them. The vehicle was later spiked in the Cardrona Valley area after which the driver of the vehicle allegedly continued to try to evade Police before coming to a stop, he says. The driver then allegedly fled the scene. Police are now working to locate the offender in relation to a number of alleged driving offences.
Late home from golf
A 21-year-old local man allegedly blew 854mcgs after allegedly being seen by Police driving a golf cart on Lake Hayes-Arrowtown Road at 4.23am last Thursday, 16 April. Duffy says a golf cart qualifies as a vehicle under the Land Transport Act and the man will appear in the Queenstown District Court tomorrow (Friday, 24 April).
Now where was it?
A 26-year-old local woman allegedly blew 854mcgs just before 2.30am on Saturday, 18 April, after allegedly parking her vehicle in the CBD and reporting to Police that it had been stolen. However, enquiries showed she had in fact forgotten where she had parked it, Duffy says. The woman was arrested and appeared in court on Monday.
Other drink driving:
35-year-old man, 704mcgs, Glenorchy-Queenstown Road, 7.30am, 18 April. Appeared court 20 April.
25-year-old local man, 573mcgs, Ballarat Street, 12.30am, 19 April. Court 24 April.
41-year-old local man, 491mcgs, Buckingham Street, Arrowtown, 8:06pm on 16 April. Appeared court 22 April.
23-year-old local man, 397mcgs, Gorge Road, 12:07am, 17 April. Infringement notice.
Police are concerned at how many young people have access to electric motorbikes and say they’re increasingly dealing with crashes and serious injury as a result.
Duffy says roads are “a significant risk when it comes to our youth who are both young and inexperienced at operating on local roads and other public areas”.
Riders of these bikes risk fines, bikes being impounded and prosecution, depending on the circumstances involved, he says. “These bikes are also not to be used on our local trails and tracks.”
Police nationally have noticed an increase in their use and Duffy says people should be aware that they need:
A valid driver’s licence if:
· The electric motor exceeds 300 watts (not kilowatts)
· The bike is capable of speeds over 50kmh
· The bike does not have pedals (i.e., it cannot be classified as a power-assisted cycle).
The bike needs a Warrant of Fitness and registration if:
· If it can exceed 50kmh: It must be registered as a motorcycle
· If it cannot exceed 50kmh: It may be registered as a moped
· In both cases, the vehicle must be entry certified and meet roadworthy standards
· A Warrant of Fitness is required unless exempted (e.g., some mopeds).
Electric dirt bikes are not bicycles if:
· They lack pedals
· They have motors exceeding 300 watts
· They are capable of autonomous propulsion without rider input.
