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More than 200kg of drugs, including methamphetamine, cocaine, MDMA and ketamine, has been intercepted following a nine-month undercover sting involving the “dark web”.
Police said multiple firearms and $500,000 were also seized, and 11 arrests made following the National Organised Crime Group investigation, Operation Solana.
Police say the drugsyndicate used “dark web markets, encrypted messaging applications and cryptocurrency services” to conceal their transactions and personal identities.
National Organised Crime Group spokesperson Detective Senior Sergeant Jason Hunt said authorities were first tipped off to a local drug syndicate using anonymous online marketplaces for its operations.
Half a million dollars, seized by police on Operation Solana. Photo / NZ Police
“We have established this group allegedly imported and distributed these controlled drugs across the country,” he said.
Police said drugs were being imported from the United Kingdom, Europe and the United States, and that New Zealand Customs and law enforcement agencies aided the investigation, seizing the 200kg of drugs headed for the syndicate.
These items were seized as a part of the undercover drug sting Operation Solana. Photo / NZ Police
Search warrants were executed across Auckland and Hamilton earlier today and yesterday, and 11 arrests were made as a result.
Three firearms were seized, including one that had been 3D printed.
11 arrests were made following the nine-month undercover drug sting Operation Solana. Photo / NZ Police
The 11 individuals, aged between 24 and 42, were set to appear in the Auckland and Hamilton District Courts today.
They faced charges including importation, possession and supplying class A, B and C controlled drugs, unlawful possession of firearms, and participating in an organised criminal group.
Police seized a 3D printed firearm in a search as part of Operation Solana. Photo / NZ Police
Hunt said police were “increasingly equipped to identify and dismantle criminal enterprises that believe they can hide behind technology and encryption”.
“If you are importing or dealing drugs through the dark web, we will find you, and we will hold you to account,” he said.
