Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
License needed for work use Register

Local Govt | National News Video | Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Search

 

Four arrested for importing Class C drug "Alpha PVP"

Four arrested for importing Class C drugs, and $1million assets seized

Three men and one woman aged between 24-26 years have been arrested and face charges relating to the importation and supply of class C drugs, and have had in excess of $1 million in assets seized, following a joint Police and Customs operation.

The investigation, codenamed Operation Gemini, commenced in November after Customs intercepted multiple imports of the drug Alpha PVP in excess of three kilograms sent from China.

Detective Senior Sergeant Brent Murray says Alpha PVP is one of the emerging drug threats which is usually sold in capsule form for around $40 and is snorted.

“Police have received reports of significant adverse effects resulting from Alpha PVP use,” says Detective Senior Sergeant Murray.

Alpha-PVP is a stimulant type drug that can produce many of the same psychoactive effects as Methamphetamine and Ecstasy. In New Zealand, it is commonly referred to as "Niff” or "Bath salts".

Customs Investigations Manager, Maurice O’Brien says Police and Customs will continue to target those who import and distribute drugs and hold them to account for their offending.

“This is another great example of multi-agency co-operation in the fight to protect our society against harmful drugs being brought into our country. It should also be a deterrent to anyone thinking of trying to import any illegal substances,” says Mr O’Brien.

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Are you getting our free newsletter?

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.

The investigation focussed on a group of three males believed to be importing and distributing the drug within the Wellington area.

In March 2015, search warrants were executed at several addresses around the Wellington district resulting in Police’s Central Asset Recovery Unit restraining assets with an estimated value of just over $1 million.

The assets include, two residential properties, three motor vehicles, a Harley Davidson motorbike, two boats, a jet ski, three trailers, the contents of a bank account, and $107,000.00 worth of bonus bonds.

“The financial investigation is continuing to establish the extent of the benefits obtained through this criminal activity,” says Detective Senior Sergeant Brent Murray from the Central Asset Recovery Unit.

“This has been a very successful investigation, which is ongoing, and at this stage inquiries would indicate significant income has been generated from the importation and sale of this drug.”

“Alpha PVP is known to cause significant harm within communities and there are several examples internationally of irrational and aggressive behaviour with at times fatal consequences.”

“Removing this drug from the community is preventing further serious harm and saving families the anguish and heartache experienced overseas.”

“Seizing assets from criminals is a reminder to offenders that crime doesn’t pay.”

Investigations are continuing and it is likely further charges will result.

If you have any information about drug cultivation, manufacture or supply rings please contact your local Police Station. Alternatively information can be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Ends


© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Regional Headlines

Gordon Campbell: On The Government’s Smokefree Laws Debacle

The most charitable explanation for National’s behaviour over the smokefree legislation is that they have dutifully fulfilled the wishes of the Big Tobacco lobby and then cast around for excuses that might sell this health policy U-turn to the public. The less charitable view is that the government was being deliberately misleading. Are we to think Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is a fool or a liar? It seems rather early on in his term of office to be facing that unpleasant choice... More


 
 
Public Housing Futures: Christmas Comes Early For Landlords

New CTU analysis of the National & ACT coalition agreement has shown the cost of returning interest deductibility to landlords is an extra $900M on top of National’s original proposal. This is because it is going to be implemented earlier and faster, including retrospective rebates from April 2023. More


Green Party: Petition To Save Oil & Gas Ban

“The new Government’s plan to expand oil and gas exploration is as dangerous as it is unscientific. Whatever you think about the new government, there is simply no mandate to trash the climate. We need to come together to stop them,” says James Shaw. More

PSA: MFAT Must Reverse Decision To Remove Te Reo

MFAT's decision to remove te reo from correspondence before new Ministers are sworn in risks undermining the important progress the public sector has made in honouring te Tiriti. "We are very disappointed in what is a backward decision - it simply seems to be a Ministry bowing to the racist rhetoric we heard on the election campaign trail," says Marcia Puru. More

 
 
 
 
 
 

LATEST HEADLINES

  • PARLIAMENT
  • POLITICS
  • REGIONAL
 
 

InfoPages News Channels


 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.