Four people have been arrested and more than a kilogram of methamphetamine, $100,000 in cash and firearms have been seized, following an ongoing investigation into an Asian organised crime syndicate.
The arrests, which took place last week, are linked to a search warrant conducted in January that resulted in two large scale methamphetamine laboratories being discovered in an Auckland suburb.
Four people were arrested at the time however the person police believe to be the syndicate head evaded capture.
The wanted male has evaded Police since January where he has allegedly continued to actively establish a drug trade network.
Police staff from the National Organised Crime Group, with the assistance of other specialist police groups, conducted multiple search warrants in Auckland on Thursday.
Police captured and arrested the alleged offender along with three associates in a motel room in West Auckland. Further search warrants were conducted at properties in Penrose and Blockhouse Bay.
These search warrants resulted in the arrest of two more alleged syndicate members.
Police seized well over a kilogram of pure methamphetamine, $100,000 in cash, two pistols, a cut down rifle and located a further active clandestine laboratory.
Four people have been arrested and have appeared in the Auckland District court on a number of drug dealing and firearm related charges.
A 32-year-old male is next due to appear in the Auckland District Court on 12th December to face charges including:
- 2 x possession of methamphetamine for supply
- 2 x manufacturing methamphetamine
- 2x unlawful possession of a firearm
A 24 year old male has been charged with unlawful possession of a pistol and is appearing in the Auckland District Court on 7th December.
A 41 year old male has been charged with supply and possession for supply of methamphetamine and is next appearing in the Auckland District Court on 20th November.
A 19 year old female has been charged with methamphetamine possession and is next appearing in the Auckland District Court on 28th February.
Detective Inspector Paul Newman from the National Organised Crime Group says this is a great outcome for Police and the arrest of the syndicate head is a significant result.
“These arrests demonstrate our commitment to preventing the harm that these drugs cause in our community.
“We will do everything we can to protect the public from offenders who cause considerable harm through the manufacturing and supplying of illicit drugs,” says Detective Inspector Newman.
ENDS
Nick Baker/NZ Police
