Police swooped on 18 homes in the Waimate area today, arresting eight people and seizing drugs including methamphetamine, LSD and synthetic cannabis.
The search warrants were executed as part of Operation Catalyst, which has involved about 40 officers from the Waimate, Christchurch, Timaru and Oamaru areas over five months.
"This operation has resulted in the seizure of a number of items including methamphetamine, synthetic cannabis, Ritalin, cannabis plants and a taser," Sergeant Michael Van Der Heyden said.
Three Waimate men - aged 19, 22 and 27 - are being held in custody and are due to appear in Timaru District Court tomorrow.
The 19-year-old has been charged with seven counts of supplying methamphetamine, six of selling or offering to supply LSD and two of supplying a prescription stimulant.
The 22 year old faces 29 charges related to selling and offering to supply synthetic cannabis.
The 27-year-old has been charged with one count of supplying methamphetamine and a further two of supplying cannabis.
Two Waimate women - aged 38 and 49 years - and three men - aged 22, 23 and 41 - have been released on bail and summonsed to appear in Timaru District Court on November 10.
The 38-year-old woman has been charged with 13 charges of supplying cannabis and two charges of supplying prescription stimulants.
The 49-year-old woman has been charged with one charge of supplying cannabis.
The 22-year-old man has been charged with three 3 charges of supplying synthetic cannabis.
The 23-year-old man has been charged with three charges of supplying synthetic cannabis and additional charges for the possession of drug utensils, possession of a restricted weapon and possession of an offensive weapon.
The 41-year-old man has been charged with possession of cannabis and cultivation of cannabis
"This Operation has significantly reduced the availability of illegal drugs in Waimate and other areas of Canterbury," Sgt Van Der Heyden said.
