'Major blow to organised crime': Illicit drugs, 3D gun, cash seized in sting

A massive drugs haul – including 10kg of cocaine – as well as a 3D printed gun and half a million dollars cash have been seized after a joint police and Customs operation disrupted a “significant” drug smuggling network, authorities say.

Four men were arrested in the sting this week targeting the importation, supply and distribution of illicit drugs in Canterbury and throughout the country, Detective Senior Sergeant Tania Jellyman said.

As well as cocaine, investigators seized 10.6kg of ketamine, 24.5kg of MDMA, 6800 Ecstasy tablets, 70kg of pseudoephedrine, 4600 LSD tabs, 3kg of cannabis and 550 grams of methamphetamine, Jellyman said.

Along with $500,000 cash and a 3D-printed firearm, they also found pill pressing equipment for producing ecstasy tablets in the “major blow to organised crime”.

“The quantities of drugs seized during this investigation represent a significant amount of harm that has been prevented from reaching our communities. Organised criminal groups are motivated by profit and have little regard for the damage these substances cause to individuals, families and communities.”

Four men aged between 27 and 35 have been arrested and remanded in custody, she said.

A joint police and Customs sting named Operation Magpie uncovered the alleged drug smuggling network, with some drugs allegedly concealed in cricket equipment. Photo / NZ Police

“They are due to appear in the Christchurch District Court facing a range of charges relating to the importation, possession for supply and supply of controlled drugs.”

The seizures included $500,000 found as part of Operation Magpie. Photo / NZ Police

The arrests were the result of a joint Canterbury District Organised Crime Group and Customs investigation dubbed Operation Magpie.

Multiple consignments of controlled drugs were intercepted at the New Zealand border, with the seizure of additional drugs and assets during a series of search warrants across Canterbury.

“The successful outcome of this investigation reflects the strong working relationship between police and Customs, with intelligence sharing and co-ordinated enforcement activity enabling us to identify, disrupt and dismantle serious offending.”

Four men have been arrested after an alleged drug smuggling network was busted by police and Customs. Photo / NZ Police

Customs worked across the border system to identify suspicious consignments, connect related importations and build the intelligence needed to stay ahead of evolving smuggling methods, Customs acting investigations manager Nigel Barnes said.

The multiple interceptions showed organised crime groups were prepared to make sustained attempts to breach New Zealand’s border, he said.

“The range of drugs intercepted demonstrates the persistence and increasingly brazen nature of this activity.”