Police have arrested three men for allegedly importing illegal drugs bought over from online suppliers, including the recently shut down Silk Road site.
The Wellington trio, arrested yesterday, are alleged to have imported Class A, B and C drugs. They were targeted through a joint Customs and police operation, whichbegan when increasing quantities of controlled drugs were being seized at the border.
Police said the drugs, which included small quantities of LSD, methamphetamine, MDMA (ecstasy) and a psychoactive substance, were destined for a Wellington address.
"The drug packages had all been ordered from on line suppliers such as the Silk Road, which was recently shut down by American law enforcement agencies," police said.
Detective Senior Sergeant Tim Leitch issued a strong warning to drug importers following the arrest of the men.
"Police and Customs are committed to identifying importers of controlled drugs and will take a very low tolerance approach to this type of offending when detected."
"It is becoming increasingly common for people to import drugs from these types of anonymous internet suppliers in the mistaken belief that it is low risk. However, the reality is that there is significant risk of being caught and those who are face serious consequences and penalties."
"Those people who are importing these illicit substances should be aware that there are potentially serious health risks when using drugs supplied from an unknown source," he said.