Thirty people were arrested and drugs with a street value of almost $80,000 were confiscated today in a series of police raids throughout New Zealand.
The raids were the result of a three month investigation by Christchurch police and targeted two organised crime syndicates allegedly involved in the manufacture of methamphetamine and the distribution and sale of this drug and ecstasy, psilocybine and cannabis.
Detective Senior Sergeant Greg Williams said 140 police and customs staff executed 31 search warrants at addresses in Christchurch, Rangiora, Auckland, Blenheim and Invercargill starting early this morning.
Most warrants were executed in Christchurch.
By mid-afternoon today, 30 people had been arrested on a variety of charges including drugs, firearms, burglary and receiving counts.
The firearms charges included the unlawful possession of pistols.
Some of those arrested were to appear in court today, others tomorrow. Further arrests are anticipated.
Police have recovered approximately $50,000 worth of stolen property including a cut up Hilux, and at least $80,000 (street value) of controlled drugs.
- CHRISTCHURCH STAR
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