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Two men have been arrested and $800,000 in cash has been seized by police in a two-month long police operation targeting the drugs underworld.
Police raided houses in Auckland and Whangarei on Monday in an operation aimed at methamphetamine manufacturers and suppliers. As well as the cash, police also found a loaded .22 calibre firearm and 140g of methamphetamine.
A 33-year-old Whangarei man charged with possessing methamphetamine for supply has appeared in court and was remanded to reappear in Whangarei District Court on January 12.
A 61-year-old Mangonui man was charged with manufacturing methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine for supply, supplying methamphetamine and unlawful possession of a pistol.
He was remanded in custody to reappear in Auckland District Court on January 27.
Detective Senior Sergeant Chris Cahill from the Auckland drug squad said the cash haul show the level of offending.
He said the arrests would have a major impact on the supply of methamphetamine in Auckland and Northland.
It sent a clear message wherever drug offenders based themselves they were not beyond investigation.
He said other serious drug dealers "will be looking over their shoulders as a result of this operation".
- NZPA
