Southern police, who announced the arrest yesterday of two women in Dunedin believed to be involved in a group importing up to $1 million of the drug, say there is evidence of increased methamphetamine use in the area.
The arrests were part of an operation targeting the group.
It was believed to have imported between $795,000 and $1 million worth of methamphetamine into Nelson and Dunedin.
The operation involved the Dunedin Police Organised Crime Squad and Customs.
In a statement, police said a search warrant was issued in Dunedin last Thursday.
Two women, aged 40 and 28, now faced multiple charges of importation of a class A drug, conspiracy to deal methamphetamine and supply methamphetamine.
They have been remanded in custody and will appear in the Dunedin District Court on Friday.
More people could be charged, police said.
Detective Senior Sergeant John Ferguson said Southern police received evidence of increased usage from different sources, but the issue was not unique to Otago.
Staff continually dealt with the ``tragic outcomes'' associated with incidents in which drugs were the underlying problem, he said.
He said the issue could not be resolved in isolation, and a community-wide approach was required, he said.
``Police are working to reduce the demand for methamphetamine by identifying clients during drug investigations and following up with them to provide prevention advice and local support services, but we also encourage the public to help us and share information so we can help people to break free of this drug.''
Police encouraged any member of the public who was affected by methamphetamine to ask for help.
``If you have concerns about any person who is using or abusing drugs, a number of very good national and local organisations are willing to help. Please don't hesitate to contact them.
``These steps will ultimately lead to safer communities with less crime.''
In a statement yesterday he said the level of importation was a major concern.
Methamphetamine in the community and those dealing the drug were a priority for police, Det Snr Sgt Ferguson said.
Crimestoppers 0800 555-111.
