Police have busted an offshore criminal cell operating across Auckland, allegedly producing and distributing methamphetamine.
Known as Operation Haste, eight search warrants were executed across various locations in Auckland on Tuesday morning, including Avondale and Pakuranga, resulting in 11 people being arrested.
Detectives from the National Organised Crime Group (NOCG) identified individuals linked to a Transnational Serious and Organised Crime (TSOC) cell who had travelled to New Zealand.
Detective Inspector Tom Gollan says Police will allege these people are responsible for the manufacture and supply of methamphetamine in Auckland.
“We believe this group entered the country specifically to manufacture illicit drugs, supported by several New Zealand-based facilitators.”
He says during the search warrants, which were supported by the Armed Offenders Squad, Police located and seized clandestine laboratory equipment and materials, including an operational laboratory.
“Approximately $200,000 in cash, pseudoephedrine and about 10 kilograms of methamphetamine have also been recovered.”
Detective Inspector Gollan says scene examinations at several of the locations remain ongoing and further charges are likely.
The 11 men, all Chinese and Taiwanese nationals, are aged between 21 and 53 and have since appeared in the Auckland District Court.
They have been charged with possession for supply of methamphetamine, importing precursors and participating in an organised criminal group.
“This operation highlights the ongoing value of strong cooperation with our international partners to rapidly identify and dismantle transnational organised crime groups,” Detective Inspector Gollan says.
“Police have zero tolerance for individuals who come into this country to profit from the harm illicit drugs cause.
“We are very pleased to arrest and hold this group to account.”
Operation Haste marks the 32nd TSOC cell dismantled by NOCG since 2018.
