Thirty-five people have been arrested following a major investigation into methamphetamine distribution in Wellington.
Police targeted two syndicates involved in what is believed to be the distribution of millions of dollars’ worth of methamphetamine across the wider Wellington area.
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Thirty-one men and four women, aged between 23 and 42, have been arrested and will face more than 200 charges in relation to offending that includes distribution of methamphetamine and cannabis, money laundering and firearms offending.
More than 100 officers executed over 40 search warrants across Porirua, Wellington City and Hutt Valley and seized methamphetamine, cannabis, cash, vehicles, a launch, artwork, jewellery, gold valued at more than $1.1 million with a Proceeds of Crime Disruption Index value of $3.7 million.
Seven firearms were also recovered during the raids.
The "social cost" of the drugs seized equates to more than $4.3 million.
Detective Inspector Darrin Thomson, of the Wellington Drugs and Organised Crime team, says the detectives wanted to send a "clear message" to people "deriving their income from drug activities".
"Police will be using legislation available to disrupt that behaviour and reduce the harm inflicted on our people.
"The impact on families and the associated harm caused to the wider community is unacceptable in a society where every person has the right to both be safe and feel safe.
"We believe our action will have seriously disrupted the commercial drug operation of these syndicates across the Wellington region."
Newshub.
