Drug bust stops millions of dollars of methamphetamine reaching our streets

Ephedrine with a street value of more than $2 million was seized last week. Photo / Kenny Rodger

There has been a major ephedrine bust in Auckland.

The Organised and Financial Crime Agency New Zealand last week seized 19kg of ephedrine with an estimated street value of more than $2 million.

The agency's task force leader, Detective Inspector Zane Hooper, said the amount of ephedrine seized has the potential to produce about 12kg of methamphetamine, with a street value of up to $12 million.

Ephedrine is a class B controlled drug and a precursor to methamphetamine.

The agency's detectives arrested one suspect at the end of the operation, which focused on the supply of ephedrine in the Auckland region, Mr Hooper said.

On Thursday last week, a 31-year-old Chinese man living in Canada appeared in the Auckland District Court charged with possession of a class B controlled drug for supply. He will return to court on March 3, and further charges are likely.

"The market for ephedrine is still very strong and we will continue to target organised criminal groups that supply ephedrine to methamphetamine manufacturers, a drug that is causing significant harm in our community."

Anyone with information about drug dealing activity should contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

"This information will assist police in targeting the drug suppliers and diminishing the harm methamphetamine is causing in our communities," Mr Hooper said.

He encouraged anyone suffering from drug addiction to get help, by calling the Alcohol and Drug Helpline on 0800 787 797 or going to www.alcoholdrughelp.org.nz.