$123 million meth ring shut down

In two drug investigations, Operation Wand and Operation Sorrento, the police Organised and Financial Crime Agency (OFCANZ) worked with Customs to target two organised criminal groups.

Police have shut down two sophisticated drug rings and seized methamphetamine worth up to $123 million during a series of busts across Auckland.

In two drug investigations, Operation Wand and Operation Sorrento, the police Organised and Financial Crime Agency (OFCANZ) worked with Customs to target two organised criminal groups.

Detective Inspector Bruce Good said the two operations shut down criminal groups that had gone to great lengths to avoid detection.

"This included new techniques for importation and production which we have not seen in New Zealand before."

In late March, detectives and customs investigators working on Operation Wand carried out search warrants across the Auckland region, seizing 83kg of methamphetamine with an estimated street value of up to $83 million.

"This included the discovery of $20 million worth of methamphetamine at a clan lab in Pakuranga," Mr Good said.

"To find 20 kilograms ready or being prepared for market at one clan lab shows the scale of the organised criminal operation we have infiltrated during Operation Wand.

In Operation Sorrento, police and customs seized an additional $40 million of methamphetamine while carrying out searches across Auckland.

Mr Good said police were not aware of any links between the organised criminal groups involved in each operation.

"The terminations of Operation Wand and Operation Sorrento illustrate that there are a number of players involved in the importation, production and supply of methamphetamine in the Auckland region."

Police commissioner Mike Bush said methamphetamine was a significant driver of crime that did enormous damage to communities.

"It ruins lives and destroys families and Police is determined to prevent the harm and victimisation it causes."

Nine people have been arrested and charged with drug offences as a result of both operations.

Seven of those charged are Chinese or Hong Kong nationals and two are New Zealand citizens.

Police Minister Michael Woodhouse and Customs Minister Nicky Wagner commended both agencies for the successful operations.

"Criminals need to know that drug activities will not be tolerated in our communities, and any profits or assets from these atrocious activities will be seized. The results of these operations go a long way in sending that message," Mr Woodhouse said.