Northland police have successfully stopped a massive drug ring after a six-month investigation.
Operation Freya’s conclusion saw the arrest of 12 people and the seizure of $8 million worth of drugs in what police describe as a ‘sophisticated operation’.
Working in conjunction with Customs, police were able to intercept a number of packages containing drugs destined for Northland. The drugs were found hidden in a range of items, such as books, clothing and framed art.
Search warrants were executed across Northland including Morningside, Rāwhiti, Ruakākā and Whananaki, as well as Rotorua. Eleven men aged between 27 and 56, and a 25-year-old woman have been arrested so far.
Read more: Further arrests made as part of Operation Freya Northland drug bust
Police seized 17kg of methamphetamine, 5.44kg of MDMA and 1kg of pseudoephedrine.
Police have also restrained around $240,000 worth of assets, including a motorbike, boat and vehicles, under the Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Act.
Around $70,000 in cash, and a quantity of methamphetamine along with two firearms and ammunition were also seized.
