Thirty-four people have been arrested after police carried out 85 raids across the country last week, seizing thousands of cannabis plants, four guns, and large amounts of other drugs.
The raids were part of a coordinated operation with Australian authorities, targeting organised crime groups involved in the importation, production and distribution of illicit drugs.
Across both countries, authorities carried out 560 raids from September 14 to 18, including 85 in New Zealand. A total of 1203 people were charged with 3339 offences, according to Australian police.
In Auckland, cannabis grow houses in suburbs across the city linked to Vietnamese organised crime were shut down. Around 270 kilograms of loose cannabis was seized in the search.
Around 6180 cannabis plants were seized across the country.
At Auckland Airport, a passenger was arrested after Customs seized around 5.1kg of methamphetamine. Further targeted examinations led to the seizure of 6.8kg of ephedrine.
A total of 34 people were arrested for various offences.
In total, authorities seized 30kg of methamphetamine, 270kg of loose cannabis, 6183 cannabis plants, 2.3kg of opium, 427 opium pills, 24 Kamini pills, 27g of cocaine, 339 MDMA pills, and 56g of ketamine.
Four guns, $647,690 in cash, and three vehicles were also seized.
“We know that these substances create harm amongst communities, including addictions, but drugs also attract violence, organised crime and other serious criminal activity,” Detective Inspector Tom Gollan said.
“Those peddling illicit substances across our community are making profits off of their harm, and authorities are continuing to apply pressure to disrupt their criminal enterprises.”
Across the Tasman, Australian authorities seized 16kg of heroin, 254kg of methamphetamine, 11.7kg of cocaine, 4.6kg of MDMA, 10kg of ketamine, 580 litres of 1,4-Butanediol, 716kg of cannabis, and 8701 cannabis plants.
More than $2.05 million in cash, 17 vehicles, and 71 firearms were seized.
"The seizure of firearms alongside illicit drugs highlights the broader criminal activity linked to organised crime and the ongoing efforts of law enforcement agencies to disrupt these networks," a spokesperson for Australian Federal Police said.
"Illicit drug trafficking contributes to a range of community harms beyond drug use itself, including violence, road trauma, property crime and other serious offending, placing pressure on communities, front-line responders and health services across Australia.
"The results come as national wastewater data continues to indicate strong demand for illicit drugs across Australia, with methamphetamine, heroin, MDMA and cocaine consumption reaching record levels."
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