Drugs and cash worth over $2M seized by Police and Customs

A joint operation between Wellington police and NZ Customs has resulted in the arrest of 5 people in relation to the importation of two million dollars worth of the Class A drug methamphetamine.

More than 40 Drug and Customs investigators swooped on addresses in Wellington City, Hutt Valley and Horowhenua yesterday seizing just over 2 kilograms of methamphetamine, more than $20,000 cash, and a BMW and Mercedes motor-vehicle.

The high purity Class A drugs, which were concealed in LED lighting panels sent from Hong Kong have a street value of two million dollars.

Detective Inspector Thomson, Wellington District Crime Manager, states “this joint Customs and Police investigation has identified a syndicate importing a significant amount of Methamphetamine that we believe was destined for the wider Wellington drug market.”

As a result of the investigation four men aged between 36 and 52 years have been arrested and one woman aged 39 years. They will appear in the Wellington District Court today.

“This group has been the subject of investigation over an extended period of time and due to some excellent intelligence obtained Customs intercepted the methamphetamine at the border and both agencies focussed on this group's activity.

Mark Day, Customs Manager Investigations says the investigation is an excellent example of agencies working together towards a common goal and utilising one another’s areas of expertise.

“The misery and destruction that methamphetamine causes New Zealand families is enormous and Police and Customs are committed to acting swiftly and effectively in identifying those involved in its distribution and ensuring they are held to account.”

ENDS

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