Police sting busts meth drug ring

BUSTED: Two Tararua men found with more than half a million dollars worth of methamphetamine have been arrested by police. PHOTO/FILE

More than half a million dollars worth of methamphetamine has been seized in a sting run by Tararua police over the weekend.

A vehicle driven by two Tararua men, who are believed to be involved in a North Island drug ring, was intercepted by police and the Armed Offenders Squad at about 3.30am on Saturday as it entered Napier.

A search of the vehicle revealed 560 grams of methamphetamine as well as drug utensils. A 30-year-old man has been charged with supplying and possession for supplying methamphetamine.

The man was remanded in custody, and is due to reappear in the Dannevirke District Court on August 21.

Police were still speaking to the other occupant of the vehicle, a 31-year-old man who has been charged with possession of drug utensils.

He was remanded on bail to appear in the Napier District Court on July 29.

Central District Field Crime Manager Detective Inspector Ross McKay said more arrests were likely.

"We believe that the supply ring was carrying out its illicit activity between the central and upper North Island, and the methamphetamine was destined for the Hawke's Bay and Tararua areas.

"Methamphetamine destroys lives and we will continue to target those involved in organised and volume crime, and hold them to full account for their harmful actions."

Tararua police would also be working closely with the Police Asset Recovery Team to establish if any items belonging to the offenders had been obtained through the proceeds of crime, he said.