Iranians accused of running drug ring back in court

File photo / NZ Herald

Two Iranian men who allegedly ran the New Zealand wing of an international drug syndicate appeared in court today.

Their arrests followed the police seizure earlier this month of $2.4 million of methamphetamine, also known as "P".

Yashar Ghasemi, 31, and Homayun Nouri, 42, face a raft of methamphetamine charges including importing the drug, supplying it, and participating in an organised criminal group.

Nouri was initially charged only with having methamphetamine for supply when arrested.

Police laid more serious charges after they wrapped up their operation - carrying out raids on two central Auckland properties earlier this month and arresting Ghasemi.

Nouri and Ghesemi both appeared in Manukau District Court today. Nouri was further remanded in custody until July 6 and Ghesemi was remanded in custody until July 8.

The drugs were allegedly imported by human couriers employed by a syndicate, Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Bruce Howard said.

One of the "drug mules", a 49-year-old Polish man, was intercepted with a 2kg package by Customs at Auckland International Airport and was being dealt with by the New Zealand courts.

Police also seized $16,000 in cash, a stun gun, a 2007 Range Rover Sport, a 2004 BMW car and more methamphetamine in the raids.

The arrests came after a two-month joint operation, known as Operation Crow, by the Auckland metro drug squad and Customs.

Mr Howard said the accused were allegedly part of a sophisticated importation operation responsible for putting large quantities of P on the streets.

- NZPA