A NZ Police and Customs joint operation has resulted in the seizure of a significant quantity of methamphetamine and one arrest.
Police say 500 grams of methamphetamine – with an estimated street value of between NZ$250,000 and $300,000 – was found concealed within a box of Lego by border Customs officers on Monday.
A search warrant was subsequently executed at a rural Omaui property on Monday night, with support from the Armed Offenders Squad, where a 46-year-old man was arrested and charged with Importing a Class A controlled drug.
“Methamphetamine devastates the most vulnerable in our communities, while organised criminal groups continue to profit from this type of offending,” said Detective Sergeant Dave Kennelly of Southland Police Organised Crime Group.
“We are committed to disrupting and dismantling the operations of those who seek to profit from this harm, and we are confident this operation will result in a major disruption to the supply of methamphetamine in our region.
“Police and partner agencies are working hard to ensure we keep our communities safe, and we will continue to actively target those involved in criminal activity.”
Customs Manager Investigations, Cam Moore said Customs was committed to working with partner agencies domestically and internationally to combat organised criminal networks.
“By sharing intelligence and working closely, we will continue to dismantle the groups who choose to bring illicit drugs into Aotearoa New Zealand and profit from the harm they cause,” he said.
