A man has been arrested after a Lego box hiding up to $300,000 worth of methamphetamine was intercepted at the border.
A successful joint operation by NZ Police and Customs has resulted in the seizure of half a kilogram of methamphetamine, with a street value between $250,000 and $300,000, that was imported from the US.
Southland Police Organised Crime Group Detective Sergeant Dave Kennelly said as part of the operation, police and the Armed Offenders Squad executed a search warrant at a rural Omaui property in the Southland region on Monday night.
A 46-year-old man was arrested and charged with Importing a Class A controlled drug.
Det Sgt Kennelly said the investigation is ongoing and further arrests and charges have not been ruled out.
Police have continued to step up enforcement and the disruption of unlawful gangs across the country as part of Operation Cobalt.
"Our message to those involved is clear – we have zero tolerance for any gang-related violence and drug offending," Det Sgt Kennelly said.
"Methamphetamine devastates the most vulnerable in our communities, while organised criminal groups continue to profit from this type of offending.
"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."
Det Sgt Kennelly said they need the local Southland community to help address unlawful behaviour in the region.
Information can be given to Police by contacting 111 if it is happening now and 105 after the fact. If for whatever reason you do not want to speak to Police directly, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online via www.crimestoppers-nz.org.
