Police investigate drug-related robberies

Wellington District Police have noticed an increase in the number of aggravated robberies occurring after drug deals organised through social media.
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Both sellers and buyers of various substances are being victimised in these cases.
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Police want to reiterate that both the sale and purchase of prohibited substances are illegal in New Zealand.
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However, we want everyone in our community to be safe and feel safe.??
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“Just because someone has committed a crime, it doesn’t mean Police won’t investigate when a crime, like assault and robbery has happened to them in turn,” says Detective Senior Sergeant Haley Ryan.
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“The theft of a prohibited substance is still theft and that accompanied by persons being assaulted or threatened are serious matters.
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“Police will investigate any reports that someone has been victimised as such.”
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Detective Senior Sergeant Ryan says that Wellington District Police have noticed the use of Discord and other similar social media apps are a common theme featuring in a number of their complaints.
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“There have been at least 10 instances in the past six months where theft or assault has occurred after drug deals arranged through social media apps.”
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Police advise people to take extreme caution in arranging to meet people they don’t know and also at locations they are not familiar with.? ??
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ENDS
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Issued by Police Media Centre.?
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