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Stripping a Queenstown security company of its licence after five doormen were implicated in a drug bust was a good move made by authorities, a security industry leader says.
Yesterday, five doormen working for a Queenstown security company were among eight men who were charged after police swooped on a series of addresses as part of a drug crackdown in the resort town, seizing $120,000 in cash and 60g of cocaine, as well as ketamine, GBL and MDA.
New Zealand Security Association chief executive Gary Morrison said while he was not aware of the company involved in the incident, it was good to see security companies being policed.
‘‘It’s good to see police taking appropriate action and addressing any poor performers in the industry.’’
He said there were issues in terms of companies operating in the bars and nightclubs areas, and their efficacy.
‘‘It’s good to see police policing it — it’s a shame to see it but it’s definitely good to see ... issues have been addressed quickly and effectively.’’
He said by removing the company’s licence, it was extremely unlikely they would be operating within the industry, or would be able to ever get another licence.
Otago Lakes Central investigations manager Detective Senior Sergeant Steve Salton described the arrests as ‘‘a great result for the community’’.
‘‘Five of these men were security guards working as doormen at local bars and clubs, resulting in a security company losing their security licence.
‘‘It’s disappointing to see that people working in roles intended to keep people safe, are in fact doing the opposite and causing huge amounts of community harm in the supply of these drugs.
‘‘Our inquiries into these matters are ongoing and we cannot rule out further arrests,’’ Det Snr Sgt Salton said.
‘‘Police continue to investigate the supply of illicit drugs in the Queenstown area and anyone with information around this type of offending is urged to get in touch.’’
