Police have put a halt to a methamphetamine importation operation, after a parcel landed at an Auckland doorstep.
In the process a UK national faces serious charges, and millions’ worth of methamphetamine has been prevented from reaching New Zealand communities.
A small operation began on the North Shore this week after a suspicious looking package delivered to a front door, was intercepted by Police on Monday.
“On further inspection, the parcel was stuffed full of a white substance – it was more than three kilograms of methamphetamine,” acting Detective Senior Sergeant Matt Bartlett, Waitematā East’s Area Investigations Manager says
Waitematā East CIB began to investigate the suspicious package and a mysterious man seen approaching the address.
“A detective was in the area on Wednesday canvassing for CCTV footage when a vehicle of interest was seen leaving the area,” acting Detective Senior Sergeant Bartlett says.
“He tailed the vehicle while other units deployed to the area.”
A traffic stop was carried out on the Northern Motorway near Takapuna, with the driver arrested on the roadside.
Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Bartlett says a further search warrant was carried out at a hotel room the man was staying at in Auckland CBD.
“Inside we located a further three kilograms of methamphetamine stashed into three parcels.
“There were also signs in the room of previous importations that had taken place.”
A 35-year-old UK national is now before the North Shore District Court. He has been charged with importing methamphetamine and possession for supply of methamphetamine.
Police are continuing to oppose the bail of the man, who is visiting New Zealand.
“This operation has prevented approximately 60,000 doses of misery from reaching our communities, and those involved in peddling this methamphetamine do not care about the destruction it causes.
“Police will continue to investigate and dismantle these importation operations to prevent further harm on families,” acting Detective Senior Sergeant Bartlett says.
