Last week’s large scale operation by Canterbury Police in relation to synthetic drugs has resulted in the largest recorded seizure of psychoactive substances in New Zealand of 173 kilograms. A seizure of this amount translates to an estimated street value of between $3.4 and $4.3 million.
Canterbury Police staff from the Canterbury Organised Crime Taskforce searched twelve addresses across Christchurch city which also resulted in over $2.5 million dollars’ worth of assets being restrained.
As part of the overall investigation strategy the Police Asset Recovery Unit have been conducting a parallel financial investigation. As a result of their investigation, High Court Restraining Orders have been obtained to restrain over $2.5 million in commercial and residential property as well as luxury motor vehicles and cash.
Five people also face charges in relation to this operation.
Police will continue to use all available investigation measures to disrupt and deter criminal offending and reduce the harm it causes in our communities.
If you or someone you know is affected by illegal drug use, you are encouraged to call the Alcohol and Drug helpline for free on 0800 787 797.
If you have information about illicit drugs in your community, you can contact your local Police station, or speak anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
For further information and comments on last week’s seizure, please see the following release: https://www.police.govt.nz/news/release/large-seizure-canterbury-pyschoa...
ENDS
Detective Senior Sergeant Jason Stewart, Canterbury CIB
