Police Disrupt Methamphetamine Trade
The Minister of Police says an operation to
smash a trans national drug smuggling ring today will make a
significant impact on the methamphetamine trade fuelling
harm in our communities. Police have announced 10
arrests and the seizure of up to five million dollars’
worth of illicit drugs after an eight month long
investigation known as Operation Mystic. “Police
allege those arrested in this operation have smuggled more
than a tonne of methamphetamine, MDMA, cocaine and ephedrine
into New Zealand over three years,” Stuart Nash
said. “Wastewater analysis indicates between 13 and
15 kg of methamphetamine are consumed each week. The
operation has disrupted more than one year’s consumption
of the drug. Areas like Northland and the East Coast are
particularly badly affected. “Those arrested in this
operation include business professionals accused of money
laundering. They are part of a wide network involving
citizens from Chile, Brazil, the Philippines and Italy.
Search warrants have been carried out at 11 Auckland
properties. “Illegal firearms, more than one million
dollars in cash, and luxury vehicles have also been
seized. “Organised crime in New Zealand is causing
harm in our communities. Police are committed to disrupting
and dismantling the networks behind the scourge of
methamphetamine and other illicit drugs. “White
collar professionals are driving offending by gangs who are
involved in the distribution of the drugs. Our response to
organised crime requires a coordinated approach using all of
the tools at our disposal. “Police will strip them
of their assets. Law enforcement agencies co-operate across
international networks through intelligence sharing. The
Coalition Government has put a record number of Police on
the frontline with a specific focus on organised
crime. “Through the health system and other agencies
we are also targeting the factors causing addiction, which
drives the demand for methamphetamine. This is a long term
challenge for government and community agencies,” Mr Nash
said.Hon Stuart
Nash
Minister of
Police
11 February
2020 MEDIA STATEMENT
Police disrupt methamphetamine
trade