Locally sourced pseudoephedrine tablets located at an Upper Hutt address early yesterday morning (27 February 2006) were capable being manufactured into methamphetamine with a potential street value of over $300,000.
An early morning search of a Gemstone Drive house by members of the Upper Hutt Police, and the Wellington Clandestine Laboratory team located two firearms, ammunition, a quantity of methamphetamine, cannabis plants, a quantity of cannabis, $6,000 cash and approximately 7500 tablets of pseudoephedrine based products.
As a result a 27-year-old Upper Hutt woman will appear in the Upper Hutt District Court on 10 March where she will face charges of unlawful possession of firearms, unlawful possession of ammunition, possession of precursor substances, cultivating cannabis, possession of cannabis for supply, and allowing premises. Further charges are expected.
The pseudoephedrine tablets which consist of Sudafed, Actifed, Codral and Sinutab brands (amongst others) would all appear to be sourced domestically - commonly through chemists and pharmacies.
"We have a great relationship with most of the pharmacies throughout the Wellington Police District and on most occasions suspicious people involved in purchasing these products are reported to us by pharmacy staff," says Detective Sergeant Sean Hansen, Wellington Police Organised Crime Unit.
"It is of great concern to us however that such quantities of domestically sourced pills have been located and I have no doubt that they were destined for a methamphetamine laboratory. The potentially lethal mix of drugs and firearms also gives rise for concern."
The tablets of tablets found could potentially manufacture up to 330 grams of methamphetamine which when sold at street level could potentially yield $330,000, he says.
"I urge anyone who can offer any information that may assist us in identifying people involved in the manufacture of methamphetamine to contact their local Police Station."