New Zealand Police and New Zealand Customs Service have seized separate shipments of crystal methamphetamine ( commonly known as 'ice' or 'P' ), and pseudoephedrine with a combined potential total street value of $135 million - the largest haul of these types of drugs ever detected coming into New Zealand ports.
The investigation called Operation Major, commenced in early 2006 with Police from Auckland Crime and Operations Group and the New Zealand Customs Service co-operating in a joint operation with Hong Kong Police, Narcotics Bureau. The operation was supported by the National Drug Intelligence Bureau.
Over the past two weeks, the investigation team has seized in separate shipments, approximately 95 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine and approximately 150 kilograms of pseudoephedrine. Pseudoephedrine is the main ingredient used in the manufacture of methamphetamine by criminal groups in New Zealand.
Both the methamphetamine and the pseudoephedrine were concealed amongst other goods in shipping containers that have originated from China.
This is the largest and most significant illicit drug seizure of these types of drugs in New Zealand’s history and illustrates how influential transnational crime groups have become in the New Zealand illicit drug market. These transnational criminal organisations have established working relationships with domestically based organised crime groups who provide the mechanism for the distribution of these drugs to the New Zealand end users.
Based upon street level prices which are monitored by the NDIB (National Drug Intelligence Bureau) in Wellington, the shipment of crystal methamphetamine could be worth up to $95 million. The shipment of pseudoephedrine when converted to methamphetamine could potentially have a street value of around $40 million.
Enquiries are continuing with overseas countries including China.
The investigation identified two Auckland based offenders who were involved in the subsequent distribution of some of the methamphetamine. A search warrant was executed at their address and included amongst items seized was a significant amount of money, three handguns, a pen gun, a M16 assault rifle and false passports.
This operation has, we believe, disrupted a major international drug distribution network and prevented a substantial quantity of Class A and Class C controlled drugs from entering or being manufactured in New Zealand.
It is believed that all of the drugs seized in this operation were destined for the New Zealand market and would have been subsequently supplied via various criminal networks across the country. The pseudoephedrine seized would have been supplied to the local methamphetamine manufacturers, for the local 'P' market.
These are significant seizures and measures are being undertaken to assess the impact the seizures have on supply and manufacture of methamphetamine within New Zealand, in particular, the effects they have on our communities.
To date there have been 6 arrests made and they include two New Zealand residents (2), a Hong Kong National (1) and three Chinese Nationals. The ages of those arrested range from 28 to 66 years. These arrests were made over the last few days with all offenders appearing in the Auckland District Court. All have currently been remanded in custody for subsequent hearings.
Charges against the accused include Importing Class A Drugs, Importing Class C drugs, Conspiracy to Import Class A drugs, Possession for Supply Class A, Possession for Supply class C, Possession of Firearms and Possession of a Restricted Weapon.
Bruce Good, Detective Inspector, NZ Police
Simon Williamson, Customs Manager - Drug Investigations