Meth and MDMA seized in joint Police/Customs investigation

NZ Police and Customs have disrupted a Wellington-based syndicate dealing a variety of drugs into the community, seizing 23 kilograms of methamphetamine and more than 1000 MDMA pills.

Over the past month, a joint NZ Police and New Zealand Customs investigation – Operation Armani – identified a group smuggling significant amounts of drugs into New Zealand over a number of months. The 23 kilos of methamphetamine was intercepted at the border and has a street value of more than $8 million dollars. The MDMA seized has a street value of around $50,000.

Last week the National Organised Crime Group, Customs, district investigators and specialist support groups executed a number of search warrants across the Wellington district.

As a result four men, aged 26 to 30-years-old and residing in the Hutt Valley and Wellington city, are facing a range of serious charges. They include the import and supply of methamphetamine, and possession for supply of cocaine, MDMA and cannabis. Police also located a loaded pistol and ammunition, which has also resulted in charges. The four men have appeared in the Lower Hutt and Wellington District Courts.

“This investigation demonstrates how the excellent work of frontline Customs officers combined with the collaborative efforts of our Police partners is protecting our communities from the scourge of illicit drugs,” says Acting Customs Investigations Manager Matt Green.

“This is an enormous amount of serious harm being peddled into our communities, with these suppliers giving no conscious thought to the impact on those they are supplying to,” says Detective Inspector Darrin Thomson of NZ Police’s National Organised Crime Group.

“Meth is a highly addictive illicit substance that often leads to addiction and violence. It brings misery to families and relationships. Keeping New Zealand safe from those deriving profit from this offending is a priority for NZ Police.”

“This investigation is ongoing but we are confident we have made a dent in this syndicate’s supply chain and the charges reflect the seriousness of the alleged offending. Evidence gathered at the scene will allege that this syndicate had been operating for some time, and that Police and Customs’ actions have dismantled their offending and prevented future harm.”