Eleven people linked to an offshore criminal cell producing and distributing methamphetamine have been arrested, following a series of raids across Auckland yesterday.
Eight raids across various locations in the city, including Avondale and Pakuranga, were carried out by officers with support from the armed offenders squad yesterday morning.
The searches came after police identified individuals linked to a transnational crime cell who had travelled to New Zealand.
“We believe this group entered the country specifically to manufacture illicit drugs, supported by several New Zealand-based facilitators,” Detective Inspector Tom Gollan said.
During the raids, police found and seized clandestine laboratory equipment and materials, including an operational laboratory.
Around $200,000 in cash, pseudoephedrine and 10kg of methamphetamine were also found.
The men arrested were all Chinese and Taiwanese nationals aged between 21 and 53. All 11 have appeared at the Auckland District Court.
They were charged with possession for supply of methamphetamine, importing precursors and participating in an organised criminal group.
Gollan said scene examinations remained ongoing, and further charges were "likely".
“Police have zero tolerance for individuals who come into this country to profit from the harm illicit drugs cause.
“We are very pleased to arrest and hold this group to account.”
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