Three men have been arrested following a joint Police and Customs operation to disrupt the production and distribution of controlled drugs.
The operation began in April this year after New Zealand Customs Service intercepted a falsely declared package destined for Palmerston North containing equipment that could be used in the manufacture of drugs.
As a result of an ongoing joint investigation search warrants were executed today at four residential addresses in Palmerston North.
Three local men aged 26, 20, and 19 were arrested without incident at three of the four addresses. The 26-year-old has since been charged with five drug dealing offences involving Class A, B and C controlled drugs.
The 20-year-old man has been charged with six drug dealing offences also involving Class A, B and C controlled drugs.
The 19-year-old man has been charged with four drug dealing offences involving Class C controlled drugs.
The 26-year-old and the 20-year-old will both appear in Palmerston North District Court tomorrow (Friday, 30 July) and the other man has been bailed to appear in Palmerston North District Court on Thursday, 5 August.
Approximately a dozen police officers, seven Customs officers, a Customs dog and ESR staff were involved in the operation. The Armed Offenders Squad was also present at one of the addresses.
A significant seizure at one of the residential addresses was a motorised 'pill press' (single punch tablet press) which had been recently imported into the country. The pill press weighed 150kg and was approximately 70cms in height capable of fast, bulk manufacture of tablets.
A small quantity of chemicals was located at the same residential address so decontamination of the residence and occupants was required before a full search could be carried out. Assistance with the decontamination was provided by the Palmerston North Fire Service.
Detective Inspector Chris Bensemann said: "This is the culmination of a four-month joint Customs and Police drug investigation targeting those people involved in drug offending. This is a good demonstration of how Government agencies can and will work together to infiltrate organised drug networks. This started with simple beginnings - suspicious packages - and has resulted in three people facing serious drug supply charges."
Anyone with information about drug manufacture and supply should ring their local police station. Alternatively information can be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
Police media enquiries should be referred to Communications Manager Kim Perks on 027 234 8256.
Customs media enquiries should be referred to Communications Advisor Lauren Wethey on 04 462 0172.
