KEY POINTS:
Two major police and customs operations have busted two drug rings worth over $50 million, destined for the New Zealand drug market.
Customs investigations manager Bill Perry said Auckland Metro Crime and Operations Support (AMCOS) and New Zealand Customs Service officers seized more than 150kg of methamphetamine and Contac NT - a precursor for the manufacture of methamphetamine.
The two hauls, with an estimated street value over $50 million, represented the most significant border seizure of controlled drugs in recent months, he said.
Tagged Operation Ponch and Operation Silver, both shipments were intercepted by officials in commercial consignments from China, he said.
In Operation Ponch, police and customs found around 32 litres or 32kg of methamphetamine in liquid with an estimated street value of up to $35 million in a shipment imported through the Port of Tauranga.
One man has been charged , he said.
In Operation Silver, 127kg of Contac NT was seized in a second shipment from China.
One man has been arrested and charged with possession for supply of a Class C controlled drug, pseudoephedrine and importing the Class C controlled drug, pseudoephedrine.
The drugs were concealed in roof tiles and were discovered after customs and police stopped the container, and used extensive physical examination techniques and X-ray screening equipment, he said.
"This methamphetamine and the precursors intercepted were destined for the local market and for the local clandestine laboratories to make the drug P.
"These operations show the success of joint customs and police led operations and demonstrate how authorities must remain vigilant at the border to act against international crime syndicates that continue to find new and inventive ways to conceal their illegal trade."
- NZPA
