Ashburton members of the public have been quick to thank the 100-plus police team, who believe they have put a major dent in illegal gang and drugs activity in the district.
Shanan Bailey suggested it was about time and that the 18 arrests and seizure of cash, drugs, firearms, and other goods would help Ashburton regain its safe, quiet reputation.
“It needed to be done!,’’ Bailey said on the Guardian’s Facebook page.
“And if the Police keep this up then Ashburton Police will become known for being tough on crime and we will regain our reputation for being a safe place as the low-lifes will go elsewhere. The district needs a tougher stance. Thank you to all involved. You’re all amazing!’’
Brett Curwood echoed those thoughts: “Thank you, NZ police,’’ he said.
“We may not be able to stop the rise (in drug and gang activity), but this action will certainly stem the flow.’’
Vickie Walker said “good job NZ police!’’, while Hillary Tupe said they did an “awesome job’’.
Others, though, felt that Ashburton’s reputation perhaps hasn’t been as squeaky clean as many would have thought.
“I don’t think that this news will surprise too many people,’’ Sharon Eccleston van Rensburg said.
“The question is why the police have taken so long to do something about it?’’
Tina Cox had a similar view:
“Not before time,’’ she said.
“It’s a well-known fact how bad Ashburton is for drugs.’’
Mere N Maria also suggested that Ashburton had “gone downhill from murders and drug busts. Never a dull moment in this town.’’
Juliet Howarth took a national view on the Ashburton sting, suggesting no town was immune from this sort of activity.
“This is going on all around the country, including rural areas,’’ she said.
“It’s illogical to believe that Ashburton is somehow better, especially when there’s population growth and changing demographics. New Zealand is so small. Nowhere is out of reach.’’

• By Daniel Alvey