A joint Police and Customs operation has resulted in a 23-year-old Palmerston North man being arrested for the importation of methamphetamine.
The operation commenced on 26 August, 2013 after a package was intercepted by Customs officers at the Auckland International Mail Centre. It was found to contain approximately 15 grams of methamphetamine with a street value of approximately $15k.
Police and Customs officers executed a search warrant at a Palmerston North property yesterday afternoon and arrested the man who is now in Police custody.
Detective Sergeant Dave Thompson, of the Manawatu Organised Crime Unit said: "The search warrant and arrest revealed further quantities of methamphetamine, cannabis, and MDMA powder."
"We believe the drugs have been sourced online and our ongoing partnership with Customs increases our capability to dismantle organised crime networks and also apprehend those people who think they can get away with sourcing illicit drugs online."
Customs Drug Investigations Manager, Mark Day says targeting methamphetamine remains a top priority for Customs.
“We are committed to stopping this menace from reaching our communities and continue to work alongside partner agencies to achieve this,” says Mr Day.
The man is appearing in the Palmerston North District Court today on charges of importation of a Class A drug and possession of a Class A drug for supply. The maximum sentence for importing a Class A drug is life imprisonment.
"This operation is a success for not only Police and Customs, but also the community because these drugs will not be making it to the streets to cause harm," said Detective Sergeant Thompson.
The joint investigation is ongoing and further charges against the man are likely.
If anyone has information about drug cultivation, manufacture or supply rings please contact your local Police Station. Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
ENDS
For more information please contact:
NZ Police
Sara Stavropoulos
District Communications Manager
027 702 0850
sara.stavropoulos@police.govt.nz
NZ Customs
Nicky Elliott
Media Advisor
029 251 3167
communications@customs.govt.nz
