A Queenstown man has been charged with drug possession and supply after officers executed a search warrant in the resort, police say.
Detective Sergeant Brian Cameron, of Queenstown and Wanaka, said 10g of ecstasy was seized, in both crystalline and tablet form, as well as a small amount of cannabis, on Monday.
The 29-year-old has been charged with allegedly importing and supplying ecstasy and possession of ecstasy for supply.
Det Sgt Cameron confirmed the search took place at an Anderson Heights address which is where the alleged discovery took place.
The man appeared in Invercargill District Court afternoon via video link and has been bailed without plea to next appear in Queenstown District Court in January.
Det Sgt Cameron said the arrest demonstrated local police are focused on ``identifying and prosecuting those responsible for the harm drugs cause in our community''.
He was not able to comment on the specific case as it is before the courts or confirm the man's nationality.
Talking about the use of illegal drugs generally in the Lakes District he said supply and availability of drugs, commonly associated with the party scene, was ``on the rise'' in the region, particularly before the holiday season.
He said police were reliant on the support of the community to step forward with information.
``There is this anecdotal acceptance of drugs not being crime-driven because we don't have the volume of crime for people to support their habits, i.e. we have a large affluent tourist population who are here with money to spend and therefore not committing crime to support those drug habits. Obviously there is no such thing as a victimless crime and people are ending up with sometimes physical sometimes psychological issues as a result of use.''
He said one concern was people are unaware of what they were buying. Tests showed some had been cut with other products ranging from detergent to rat poison.
Det Sgt Cameron also said ecstasy and ``white powder'' drugs were prevalent in the resort and warned those taking or selling drugs they needed to be prepared to face the consequences of their actions.
Anyone wishing to provide information anonymously can do so by ringing Crimestoppers on 0800 555-111.
