Organised crime operation nets cars and drugs

Friday, 16 May 2014 - 3:20pm
Central

A successful police operation has seen the removal of a methamphetamine supply ring and the seizure of more than a dozen vehicles and other items.

A search warrant was executed at a property on Taonui Road (between Bunnythorpe and Feilding) yesterday (15 May, 2014) morning.

Officers from the Manawatu and Wellington, the Armed Offenders Squad, and the National Asset Recovery Unit were all involved in the search.

Items seized include; approximately $20,000 cash, 9 muscle cars, two utes, a BMW vehicle, 7 Harley Davidson motorcycles, a quad bike, luxury watches, and a five ounce gold ingot.

Detective Sergeant Dave Thompson of the Manawatü CIB says: "A significant quantity of what we believe to be methamphetamine has also been seized as well as chemicals and other drug-making equipment."

Members of the Wellington clan lab team also assisted with the operation and an assessment will be carried out at the property to determine if it was being used as a clan lab.

A 44-year-old man from Palmerston North was arrested at the property has been charged with possession of methamphetamine for supply. He appeared in the Palmerston North District Court yesterday and was remanded in custody. Further charges against the man are likely.

The Asset Recovery Unit is continuing to make inquiries for potential forfeiture of the items seized.

"Organised crime is a disease to society and we will continue to concentrate our efforts to remove illicit drugs from communities and hold those who benefit from the proceeds of crime to full account," says Detective Sergeant Thompson.

If you have information about drug manufacture or supply rings please call your local Police Station. Information can also be provided anonymously to the organisation Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

A photo of the vehicles seized is available upon request.

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