Despite the arrests of seven Queenstown men yesterday in connection with a suspected international drug ring supplying ecstasy to the resort, the town's drug problem is not getting worse and the town is still safe, police and civic leaders say.
The arrests, as part of the police operation "Wing", bring the total drugs-related arrests in the Queenstown Lakes area to at least 39 this year, after three major police operations.
Wing follows the nine-month Operation Helix, which wound up last week with the arrests of eight Wanaka and Alexandra residents for allegedly dealing, cultivating, manufacturing and possessing drugs, including LSD and cannabis leaf, plants and oil.
In June, 16 Queenstown, Glenorchy and Cromwell residents were arrested after Operation Dove and charged with a variety of crimes, including dealing LSD, ecstasy and BZP.
But Queenstown Lakes District Council chief executive Duncan Field, speaking on behalf of Mayor Clive Geddes who is on annual leave, said Queenstown's problem with drugs was "certainly" no greater than that of any other community in New Zealand.
"Every community is dealing with these things. It's something I think we need to be conscious of and monitor . . . but it's not something that is of concern."
Mr Field said he did not believe the latest arrests would harm Queenstown's reputation, because the situation was not out of control and the police were dealing with it.
Otago rural police CIB head Detective Senior Sergeant Colin Blackie said the three operations had been possible because of intelligence received from Queenstown community members and the dedication of a few local policeman.
Queenstown had to accept that drug dealers would be attracted there.
"We have got to face the fact [Queenstown] has a perceived ready-market potential for drug dealers."
He was not sure if the amount of drugs in the town was increasing, but police had noticed cannabis, traditionally prevalent, was being replaced with class A and B drugs such as LSD and ecstasy.
Added to that was the fact the shoulder period between seasons was getting shorter, so the perception was the market was available almost all-year-round.
"We're not saying Queenstown is totally bad. It's a great place; it's a safe community. We have just had this opportunity to focus on one element of the community."
