A coordinated week of enforcement in Australia and New Zealand resulted in numerous arrests and the seizure of illicit substances. New Zealand Police and Customs partnered with Australian authorities for the operation conducted by the Australia and New Zealand Illicit Drug Working Group (ANZIDWG). The campaign involved executing search warrants throughout both nations and intensifying enforcement efforts at New Zealand’s airports and borders.
Police focus on organised crime groups
Detective Inspector Tom Gollan stated that the initiative targeted organised crime groups involved in the importation, production, and distribution of drugs. He noted that these substances create community harm through addiction and often attract violence.
“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,” Gollan said.
The week involved 560 search warrants across the two countries, including 85 conducted by New Zealand Police. Authorities found class A, B, and C drugs, leading to 34 arrests for various drug-related offenses.
In the Tamaki Makaurau region, Police dismantled cannabis grow houses in North Shore, Auckland City, South Auckland, and West Auckland linked to Vietnamese Organised Crime. The operation seized more than a quarter of a tonne of loose cannabis, alongside a total of 6,183 cannabis plants across the country.
Customs officials also intercepted drug shipments. A passenger at Auckland International Airport was arrested after being found with approximately 5.1 kilograms of methamphetamine. Additionally, authorities seized 6.8 kilograms of ephedrine during targeted examinations.
Drugs seized by the numbers
Bruce Berry, the Customs Integrated and Targeted Operations Centre Manager, said the week of action strengthened coordinated efforts across borders. He noted that agencies align intelligence and enforcement to bring greater pressure against organised crime.
“Focused operations like this allow agencies to align intelligence, targeting and enforcement activity, bringing greater pressure against organised crime and strengthening our ability to prevent illicit drugs from reaching New Zealand communities,” Berry said.
Customs officers seized a wide variety of substances during the operation. The finds included 30 kilograms of methamphetamine, 270 kilograms of loose cannabis, and 6,183 cannabis plants. Other items seized included 2.3 kilograms of opium, 427 opium pills, 24 Kamini pills, 27 grams of cocaine, 339 MDMA pills, and 56 grams of ketamine.
Police recovered four firearms, three vehicles, and $647,690 in cash during the raids.
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