Four arrested after Southland drug operation uncovers drugs and stolen vehicle
Friday 2 October 2026 · 2 outlets · 2 reports · updated In this story Invercargill District Court
Police executed search warrants at several addresses in Gore and the wider Southland area during an operation targeting suspected drug dealers. The searches, which involved a drug detection dog, uncovered Class A and B drugs and a stolen vehicle. Four people have been arrested, and further arrests are expected.
Key facts
4 facts
- Four people arrested in Southland drug operation
- Class A and B drugs and a stolen vehicle recovered
- Search warrants carried out in Gore and Southland
- Te Waipounamu drug detection dog used in operation
The full story
1 min read · 2 outlets
Four people, including two men and two women, have been arrested following a police operation targeting suspected drug dealers in Southland. Search warrants were executed at various addresses in Gore and the wider Southland region. The operation involved staff from across the district and a Te Waipounamu drug detection dog.
Police recovered Class A and B drugs and a stolen vehicle during the searches. Senior Sergeant Gary Iddenten stated, “We will continue to target those who supply drugs no matter where you live”. He added that such substances have the potential to cause extreme harm and damage to communities.
A 57-year-old man is scheduled to appear in the Invercargill District Court on 6 October regarding charges for cultivating Class B drugs. A 40-year-old man has been remanded in custody and is due in Gore District Court on 20 October for charges involving the possession and supply of Class A drugs, alongside unrelated charges.
Two women are due to appear in the Gore District Court on 28 October. The 45-year-old woman faces charges for the possession and supply of Class A drugs, while the 39-year-old woman faces possession and supply charges. Investigations are ongoing and police indicated further arrests are likely.
Compiled from reports by Stuff and The Press.