A Wellington man faces multiple charges after a Police and Customs investigation into the importation and supply of methamphetamine, cocaine, GBL, and ketamine across the Wellington region.
Customs was alerted to several "significant importations", leading to five search warrants carried out at properties across Wellington District over the last week.
A 33-year-old man was arrested and faces charges including:
- 2x Supply of fantasy substances
- 2x Supply of methamphetamine
- 2x Conspiracy to deal class A drug
- 2x Conspiracy to deal methamphetamine
- 2x Possession of methamphetamine for supply
- 1x Possession of cocaine for supply
- 2x Importing methamphetamine
- 2x Importing fantasy substances
- 2x Importing stimulants/depressants
- 1x Failure to carry out obligations for computer search
A firearm was also recovered from a vehicle used to transport these drugs.
The man was remanded in custody and is due to reappear in Wellington District Court on July 5. Further charges are likely.
"We will be continuing enquiries with our offshore partner agencies to identify the source that exported the drugs to New Zealand," Detective Senior Sergeant Hamish Blackburn of the Wellington District organised crime unit said in a statement on Saturday.
"We are committed to holding offenders to account, and delivering on our intent to keep New Zealanders safe."
Chief Customs officer: regional investigations, Rachel Manning said: "Customs is pleased that the range of intelligence we were able to gather and analyse has alerted our Police partners to this criminal activity, and helped them break up what was a significant drug-smuggling operation."
Information can be reported to your local Police Station or anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
Anyone affected by drug addiction is encouraged to seek help through the Alcohol and Drug Helpline on 0800 787 797, or free text 8681.
