National Organised Crime Group Police in Auckland have today shut down a large network of cocaine and methamphetamine dealing in the city, concluding a three-phased investigation that has been running over several months.
Operation Ceviche has led to the arrest of 13 people on methamphetamine and/or cocaine charges, including a senior patched member of the Hells Angels Auckland chapter, who has been charged with supplying methamphetamine and possessing this drug for supply.
The operation concluded today with the arrest of seven men, and a single seizure of 750 grams of cocaine and $81,000 in cash.
Detective Senior Sergeant Lloyd Schmid said the cocaine was a significant find.
“It’s unusual to achieve such a big domestic seizure. Cocaine is usually picked up in much smaller amounts, so today’s find is indicative of people who have been heavily involved in persistent, premeditated, career drug dealing. In total we seized almost 760 grams of cocaine with a street value of over $300,000 today.”
Today’s arrest of seven men includes the re-arrest of two people who were arrested during the second phase of the operation earlier this month. During this phase 84 grams of cocaine that had been prepared for supply was seized.
“These offenders were creating some fairly identifiable cocaine. The drug was being mixed with another substance and moulded into ounce-sized bricks with a hand-made wooden press (pictured).”
“These are people who’ve been living beyond their means by selling drugs to others, and despite some attempts to conceal their offending, they’ve now been fully exposed.
“They were each operating mini drug supply networks, but our investigation has linked them in various ways. People who choose to involve themselves in the supply of illicit drugs can expect to be held to account,” Detective Senior Sergeant Schmid said.
The first phase of the operation was completed in June when six people were arrested including the patched Hells Angels gang member.
Overall, 13 people have been arrested across the operation’s three phases. They face between one and eleven counts of supply/ possession for supply of methamphetamine and/or cocaine.
The maximum penalty for the supply of methamphetamine and cocaine is life imprisonment.
ENDS
Shelley Nahr/NZ Police
021 595562
