Four Taiwanese visitors charged with 11 kilo methamphetamine importation

Detectives from the Organised and Financial Crime Agency (OFCANZ) working alongside Customs Officers have arrested three men and a woman in relation to the importation and supply of over 11 kilos of crystal methamphetamine. All four people are visitors to NZ from Taiwan.

Operation Gravel began on Tuesday 25 March when the methamphetamine was discovered by Customs Officers concealed within heavy metal boxes at the Air Cargo Inspections Facility, Auckland International Airport.

Detective Senior Sergeant Lloyd Schmid from OFCANZ, Auckland said two Taiwanese men aged 19 and 29 years arrived in New Zealand on 24 March.

The four people arrested appeared in the Auckland District Court yesterday charged with drug importation and supply.

Mr Schmid said the methamphetamine seized during the investigation has a street value in excess of 11 million dollars.

“The success of this enquiry builds on that which we have achieved over recent years working closely with New Zealand Customs and our other partner agencies”.

Customs Manager Investigations Maurice O’Brien said Operation Gravel is another good example of law enforcement agencies sharing intelligence, resources and expertise to combat and investigate trans-national crime.

“It also highlights the excellent profiling and intervention capability of Police and Customs at the border.”

ENDS

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