Thirty-four arrested during nationwide drug raids and seizures

Thirty-four people have been arrested following 85 search warrants executed across New Zealand during a week-long drug operation. The crackdown, which involved coordination with Australian authorities, targeted organised crime groups involved in the production, importation, and distribution of drugs.

In Auckland, police shut down cannabis grow houses at suburban properties on the North Shore and in central, south, and west Auckland linked to Vietnamese organised crime. Authorities seized more than a quarter of a tonne of loose cannabis from these properties. Across the country, approximately 6,180 to 6,183 cannabis plants were also seized.

Other substances seized in New Zealand included 30kg of methamphetamine, 2.3kg of opium, 427 opium pills, 24 Kamini pills, 27g of cocaine, 339 MDMA pills, and 56g of ketamine. Customs also seized 6.8kg of ephedrine during targeted examinations. At Auckland International Airport, a passenger was arrested after Customs seized about 5.1kg of methamphetamine.

The operation also resulted in the seizure of four guns, three vehicles, and $647,690 in cash. Detective Inspector Tom Gollan stated that the operation focused on organised crime groups and noted that drugs attract violence and serious criminal activity.

How it developed

• Thu 24 Sep, 3:57pmThis report provided a detailed list of specific drug quantities, cash amounts, and firearms seized, as well as details regarding the Australian portion of the operation.

Where reports differ

• Reports vary slightly on the exact number of cannabis plants seized, citing either 6,180 or 6,183.

Compiled from reports by Stuff, 1News, NZ Herald and Otago Daily Times.