West Coast Police have seized drugs and items related to the sale and supply of illicit drugs following a series of search warrants across Westport today. 

Operation Boston was set up to target the sale and supply of illicit drugs in the Westport community. The operation resulted in the seizure of an amount of cannabis, methamphetamine, and other evidential material. 

Attributable to Detective Sergeant Lisa Brent, Nelson Bays Organised Crime Unit:

Five people have been arrested on serious drugs charges, with one person charged with 30 offences, after a series of search warrants across Marlborough.

Operation Aisling saw Marlborough and Nelson Bays Organised Crime Units working together, with assistance from the Offender Prevention Team, in a District-wide operation to find and take enforcement action against those who procure and sell drugs in the area.

A night of dangerous driving across Auckland’s motorway network ended in custody for a car full of fleeing youths. 

Just before 8pm last night, a motorways unit observed a Toyota Corolla allegedly exceeding the speed limit along State Highway 16 near St Lukes. 

Senior Sergeant Bronwyn Matthews, Auckland City East, says the vehicle was signalled to stop, but the driver ignored instruction and continued heading southbound. 

“Due to the nature of driving, the vehicle was not pursued.”

Media invitation

What:   Polar Plunge for Special Olympics in Auckland:

Take part/donate:  www.torchrun.org.nz

Where: Takapuna Beach, The Strand, North Shore, Auckland

Why:     Raise funds and awareness for Special Olympics athletes and programmes across NZ

When:   Saturday 25 July 2026, 9am start – please arrive from 8am to sign in

Police are appealing for sightings of Wolvedi Ding, who has been reported missing from Auckland. 

The 20-year-old was last seen walking along Birdwood Road, Swanson, at around 8.20am on Friday 17 July. 

Wolvedi was wearing a grey hoodie, black pants, black shoes, and carrying a clear umbrella.

She is described as having brown eyes and very short brown hair. Her current hairstyle is much shorter than that shown in the photograph.

Wolvedi lives in Auckland’s CBD but was visiting family in West Auckland when she was last seen.

Police bagged a car full of stolen groceries after stopping a vehicle on Auckland’s North Shore.

Just after 1pm on Monday, the Waitematā Beat team was responding to a report of shoplifting at a supermarket on Barrys Point Road, Takapuna.

A review of CCTV footage showed the suspect concealing meat and chocolate inside his backpack before fleeing. 

Waitematā East acting Area Prevention Manager, acting Inspector CJ Miles, says CCTV helped link the alleged shoplifter to a vehicle. 

Please attribute to Detective Senior Sergeant John Love:

Police are investigating an unexplained death in Kaiti, Gisborne.

Emergency services were called to the Crawford Road address just before 1:50am on Tuesday 21 July.

The public can expect to see an increased Police presence in the area over the coming days as investigations continue.

Anybody with information that could assist Police is urged to contact 105, either over the phone or online at 105.police.govt.nz.

Please reference the file number 260721/0838.

A funeral service will be held next week for an infant that was found in Marlborough on 19 May.

The body of the stillborn baby was discovered on Wairau Bar Road.

Details of the service:
Date: Wednesday, 29 July 2026 
Time: 10.30am 
Place: Fairhall Cemetery children’s memorial area.

Detective Sergeant Jason Hillgrove says local businesses and community groups have generously donated time, services, and resources to assist with the arrangements for this service.

A community icon has been rescued overnight, after a keen-eyed Sergeant intercepted a mastermind heist.

Police are continuing to appeal for sightings or information on missing man Benjamin Barrett, who was last seen in Russell at the end of May.