Detectives from the Police's Organised and Financial Crime Agency New Zealand (OFCANZ), working together with Customs, have seized 123 kilograms of methamphetamine during two successful pan-Auckland drug operations.
Detective Inspector Bruce Good said the scale and sophistication of the supply chains and manufacturing techniques that were infiltrated during Operation Wand and Operation Sorrento shows the ability of Police's OFCANZ and Customs to tackle organised criminal groups.
Police Minister Michael Woodhouse and Customs Minister Nicky Wagner today congratulated agencies for the latest successful drug-related operation targeting the production and supply of methamphetamine in Auckland.
"These operations were successfully executed due to the great work of Police districts and the Organised and Financial Crime Agency New Zealand (OFCANZ), and I commend their efforts," Mr Woodhouse says.
“During both Operation Wand and Operation Sorrento we shut down organised criminal groups who had gone to great lengths to avoid detection,” Mr Good added. “This included new techniques for importation and production which we have not seen in New Zealand before.”
Police Commissioner Mike Bush said the successful terminations underline Police’s determination to target the trade in methamphetamine and the organised crime groups that run it.
"Methamphetamine is a significant driver of crime that does enormous damage to our communities. It ruins lives and destroys families and Police are determined to prevent the harm and victimisation it causes,” Commissioner Bush said.
"The Government is committed to reducing the harm caused by gangs and transnational crime groups, through our whole-of-government action plan to clamp down on gang activity.
Mr Good said 83 kilograms of methamphetamine with an estimated street value of up to $83 million was seized during the operation. “This included the discovery of $20 million worth of methamphetamine at a clan lab in Pakuranga,” Mr Good said.
“To find 20 kilograms ready or being prepared for market at one clan lab shows the scale of the organised criminal operation we have infiltrated during Operation Wand. Unfortunately it also suggests that the market for methamphetamine remains strong in New Zealand.” Mr Good mentioned.
Police and Customs also enjoyed similar success during the termination of Operation Sorrento in late March. "Criminals need to know that drug activities will not be tolerated in our communities, and any profits or assets from these atrocious activities will be seized. The results of these operations go a long way in sending that message,” Mr Woodhouse exclaimed.
“The terminations of Operation Wand and Operation Sorrento illustrate that there are a number of players involved in the importation, production and supply of methamphetamine in the Auckland region.”
Mr Good said Police and Customs staff from across the country worked on the dual terminations.
“Operation Wand and Operation Sorrento are great examples of government agencies working together to target organised crime.
Following the terminations of Operation Wand and Operation Sorrento nine people have been arrested and charged with a combination of methamphetamine related charges including importing, supply and possession.
Customs Minister Nicky Wagner says the operation is a brilliant showcase of how law enforcement agencies are working together.
Seven of those charged are Chinese or Hong Kong nationals while the remaining two are New Zealand citizens.