Police and Customs bust over $50 million in methamphetamine and pseudoehpedrine

Auckland Metro Crime and Operations Support (AMCOS) and New Zealand Customs Service officers have seized more than 150kg of methamphetamine and Contac NT (a precursor for the manufacture of methamphetamine) destined for the domestic market in New Zealand.

The two hauls, with an estimated street value in excess of $50 million, represent the most significant border seizure of controlled drugs in recent months.

Tagged Operation Ponch and Operation Silver, both shipments were intercepted in commercial consignments that arrived from China.

In Operation Ponch, Police and Customs found around 32 litres or 32 kg of methamphetamine in liquid with an estimated street value of up to $35 million in a shipment imported through the Port of Tauranga.

One man has been charged in relation to the case and the matter is before the courts.

In Operation Silver, 127 kg of Contac NT was seized in a second shipment from China.

One man has been arrested and charged in relation to the case with possession for supply of a Class C controlled drug, pseudoephedrine and importing a Class C controlled drug pseudoephedrine.

Concealed in roof tiles, Customs and Police intercepted the container with the precursors using extensive physical examination techniques and X-ray screening equipment.

Customs Manager Investigations Bill Perry said, "This methamphetamine and the precursors intercepted were destined for the local market and for the local clandestine laboratories to make the drug 'P'.

"These operations show the success of joint Customs and Police lead operations and demonstrate how authorities must remain vigilant at the border to act against international crime syndicates that continue to find new and inventive ways to conceal their illegal trade," Perry said.

No further information is available at this stage as both matters are now before the courts.

ENDS

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