A multi-agency investigation has busted an Auckland crime syndicate being operated by Vietnamese nationals.
As a result, police seized thousands of cannabis plants with a street value of up to $25 million and several people now face deportation.
The ongoing operation by Police and the Ministry of Business, Employment and Innovation (MBIE) has resulted in 10 arrests, dismantling drug cultivation and money laundering operations.
Twelve people are also facing deportation from New Zealand.
The 12 deportations involve nine migrants unlawfully in New Zealand, while a further three will be deported this weekend.
Three others on temporary visas have been served deportation liability notices, and potential deportation liability is being investigated for another 14.
As part of the operation, police executed 53 search warrants at addresses across Waitematā and Counties Manukau district.
As a result of the warrants, 42 significant cannabis crop grows were located with 6886 plants and approximately 10 kilograms of packaged cannabis seized. This has a street value of between $16-$25 million. Up to $100,000 cash was also seized.
Police intelligence says this crime syndicate was predominantly operating across the Waitematā and Counties Manukau Police districts.
Waitematā Acting Detective Sergeant David Coombridge said the arrests follow an inquiry by Police and Immigration officers into criminal syndicates involving Vietnamese nationals where members were primarily using residential properties to set up sophisticated indoor cannabis growing systems.
Some of these offenders have come to New Zealand specifically for the purpose of participating in these Organised Crime Groups.
"These arrests should serve as a warning to those that may be involved in these kinds of drug cultivation, drug dealing and money laundering operations, that Police will hold them to account," Det Srg Coombridge said.
"Police are well aware there are individuals and organisations that are enabling this kind of activity and are more than willing to profit off the proceeds of crime.
"Let this be a warning that they are likely to come to Police attention."
MBIE's National Manager Compliance David Campbell said the investigation is an excellent example of cooperation across Government agencies.
"As a result of Police and MBIE Compliance’s interactions with these migrants, we are now investigating the involvement of a number accredited employers," he said.
"Migrant workers need to be aware of those who would seek to exploit them.
"If you are being asked to pay large amounts of money to an offshore agent to travel and work in New Zealand, it is highly likely that this is part of a fraudulent scam."
The 10 people arrested are due to appear in the Waitākere, North Shore and Counties Manukau courts over the coming days.
Police said they cannot rule out further charges and arrests as part of Operation Beryl, and Immigration New Zealand will look to expedite deportations for those in breach of their visa conditions or who are here unlawfully.
Police are also working alongside Immigration New Zealand in relation to the foreign nationals involved in this investigation as they want to ensure the migrant communities are kept safe from those who would exploit the conditions of their work visas.
"We continue to encourage anyone with information about suspected money laundering and drug dealing in their community to contact 105, or Crime Stoppers anonymously via 0800 555 111," police said.
Migrant communities concerned with possible exploitation should contact MBIE on 0800 20 90 20.
