Gangs hit in Masterton meth raid

NABBED: A 38-year-old Masterton man faces charges of supplying methamphetamine as part of a lucrative crime ring busted open by police.PHOTO/FILE

A gang associate allegedly involved in an extensive meth dealing ring was arrested after an early morning raid at a Masterton property on Tuesday.

A year-long police investigation into the methamphetamine, or P, trade in Wellington led to the arrest of 38-year-old Masterton man Jamie Liu and six other people.

The bust also revealed rival gangs are working together to supply methamphetamine.

Liu, a welder, appeared in Masterton District Court on Tuesday facing charges related to dealing the Class A drug.

Police stormed Liu's residence at 5.30am and seized a Chevrolet Corvette car, a Harley Davidson motorcycle and other assets, said a police spokesman.

Cash, drugs and cars were seized from all over the region as part of the investigation, dubbed Operation Fantail.

"During Operation Fantail we have recovered 150g of methamphetamine with an estimated street value of up to $150,000," said Detective Senior Sergeant Chris Moore of the Organised Financial Crime Agency of New Zealand.

He said cash and assets worth up to $50,000 were also seized including the two vehicles from Liu's residence and a Toyota Altezza.

"The termination of Operation Fantail shows that rival gang members are actively co-operating in the sale and supply of methamphetamine within the Wellington District and lower North Island," said Mr Moore.

Police executed 16 search warrants in Masterton, Porirua, Wellington and Auckland. Seven people including a Tribesman gang member, a Highway 61 associate and a Mongrel Mob associate were charged.

Liu was charged with taking part in an organised criminal group supplying methamphetamine between March 24 and June 9 of this year.

He also faces three charges of offering to supply a Class A drug.

He was remanded in custody until June 23.

The six other suspects arrested have appeared or are due to appear in Wellington and Auckland District Courts this week.

Three people appeared in Wellington District Court on Tuesday afternoon in relation to the Wellington raids.

All three have their names suppressed until tomorrow, in order to tell their families of their arrests.

Each is charged with taking part in an organised criminal group contributing to the supply of methamphetamine.

A professional man, 53, faces one other charge of having methamphetamine for supply.

A woman, 20, also faces two charges of supplying the drug and one of having it for the purpose of supply.

A man, 21, also had four charges of supplying methamphetamine and one of having the drug for the purpose of supply. The operation involved staff from police, OFCANZ, and specialist tactical groups.

"Operation Fantail sends another powerful message to the criminal community that police will use every legal avenue at our disposal to target organised crime in New Zealand," Mr Moore said.