Wellington Police executed a search warrant on an inner-city commercial premises yesterday which they believe was a major drug-manufacturing site.
The scene has been secured and specialist Police Clan Lab staff along with ESR scientists have begun to examine and process the scene which is expected to take several days.
Detective Senior Sergeant Tim Leitch says "This is a full-scale commercial operation.
"The lab includes powder, pills, chemicals and equipment including a pill press which Police believe has been used to manufacture ecstasy.
“Always of concern is the dangerous and volatile chemicals that are used.
"The chemicals present a very real threat to the wellbeing of our community.
"We believe it was set up to distribute thousands of pills at upcoming music festivals over the New Year period.
"The harm these drugs cause has a significant impact on our health services and can rip families apart.
“We are determined to take a zero-tolerance approach to drug manufacturers and suppliers and use all our available resources to hold them to account”, says Detective Senior Sergeant Leitch.
Three 22-year-old men from the Hutt Valley and Wellington will appear in the Wellington District Court today on serious drug charges.
ENDS
For media queries, please contact Nick Bohm, Wellington District Communications Manager on 027 559 2235.
