Whole of policing approach to organised crime nets largest meth lab for several years in Hamilton

Waikato Police are warning those involved in the illegal drugs trade that they risk facing not only the attentions of local officers but a whole of policing approach to stamping out their unlawful activities.

Detective Senior Sergeant Nigel Keall of the Hamilton CIB said the call comes after a combined team of Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Wellington and Auckland Police conducted a series of searches linked to the manufacturing and distributing of methamphetamine.

"Today, as part of Operation Maxine three properties were searched by local Police with the assistance of the Waikato and Bay of Plenty Armed Offenders Squads, Auckland and Wellington based Clandestine Laboratory Team members, ESR forensic specialists, the New Zealand Fire Service and St Johns Ambulance.

"The properties searched were located on Hamilton's Collins Rd, McCandlish Rd in Koromatua and Ngahinapouri Rd in Ngahinapouri. A large sophisticated methamphetamine laboratory with a significant amount of product was discovered at the Collins Rd address which is expected to take several days to examine and clear."

Mr Keall said armed Police supported the search teams to ensure the safety of not only Police staff and the public but the offenders as well because all too often those involved in the illicit drugs trade have shown a willingness to arm themselves to protect their illegal investments.

"These concerns were justified during our search of the properties with the discovery of a handgun.

"The use of staff from other districts to support large scale investigations like today's is nothing new and demonstrates the Police's willingness to apply a whole of policing approach to organised crime."

Mr Keall said the nature of drug offending often meant criminal activities are carried out across the borders of a number Police districts but recently introduced new technology is making it easier for investigators to gather, share and exploit information across those borders.

"When you have an investigation such as today's a variety of investigative options have to be explored to develop a solution that is fit for purpose.

"The arrest today of two men aged 51 and 48-years-old at the Collins Rd address, the discovery of the large clan lab at the same location and the seizure of a large amount of laboratory equipment and chemicals associated with the manufacturing of methamphetamine suggests the whole of policing approach is indeed a fit for purpose solution."

The pair will appear in the Hamilton District Court tomorrow on unlawful possession of a pistol, manufacturing methamphetamine and possession of equipment with the intent to manufacture methamphetamine charges tomorrow.

Mr Keall said anyone with information on drug offending is encouraged to contact Police directly on 07 858 6200, your call will be treated in confidence.

Alternatively, information can be left anonymously with Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.