Inside Operation Haste: How police cracked offshore drug ring
An offshore criminal cell linked to the production and distribution of methamphetamine across Auckland has been dismantled after a major police operation.
Detectives from the National Organised Crime Group (NOCG) launched Operation Haste after investigating a group of individuals believed to be linked to a Transnational Serious and Organised Crime (TSOC) cell.
The investigation traced the group’s activities to multiple properties in Auckland, including Avondale and Pakuranga.
Eight search warrants were executed across the city yesterday morning, leading to the arrest of 11 Chinese and Taiwanese nationals aged between 21 and 53.
Police found an operational laboratory. Photo / NZ Police
Detective Inspector Tom Gollan said police allege the group is involved in the manufacture and supply of methamphetamine in Auckland.
“We believe this group entered the country specifically to manufacture illicit drugs, supported by several New Zealand-based facilitators.”
With the support of the Armed Offenders Squad, he said police seized clandestine laboratory equipment and materials, including an operational laboratory, about 10kg of methamphetamine, pseudoephedrine and approximately $200,000.
Scene examinations are continuing at several of the properties.
The men have appeared in the Auckland District Court and face charges of possession for supply of methamphetamine, importing precursors and participating in an organised criminal group.
The 11 men are expected to face further charges in relation to the criminal activity. Photo / NZ Police
Police say further charges are likely.
“This operation highlights the ongoing value of strong cooperation with our international partners to rapidly identify and dismantle transnational organised crime groups,” Gollan said.
The ring is the 32nd cell NOCG has dismantled since 2018,
“Police have zero tolerance for individuals who come into this country to profit from the harm illicit drugs cause.
“We are very pleased to arrest and hold this group to account.”
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