Police have arrested 23 people and seized a large haul of drugs in Canterbury and the Bay of Plenty, in an operation targeting serious drug offending.
More than 100 police officers were involved in the operation, executing more than 20 warrants around the country over the last two days.
Those arrested include 14 men and nine women, between the ages of 21 and 61. They have been charged with a range of offences including supplying methamphetamine and manufacturing and supplying ecstasy.
The busts include a building in Christchurch which is believed to have been used for manufacturing pills. A commercial pill-press, along with thousands of pills and approximately 5kg of powder, was discovered inside. ESR Scientists are working with police to examine and dismantle the scene.
Firearms were also been located at properties searched in Rotorua and Christchurch.
Detective Senior Sergeant Tim Leitch of the Wellington Drugs and Organised Crime squad says Operation Nebraska has paid off.
"We have been monitoring this syndicate's activity for a number of months to collect evidence of their alleged drug dealing activity," he says.
"As a result, we have deployed investigators, response and specialist staff across five policing districts to gather evidence and make these arrests. The operation will cause significant disruption in the illicit pill market."
Police have also seized assets valued at more than $1.8 million, including four properties, a boat, five vehicles and money held in bank accounts.
"We are sending a clear message to these people that if you are going to derive your income from drug activity that harms our communities, we will be using all the legislation available to disrupt that behaviour and seize those assets," Det Snr Sgt Leitch says.
The 23 arrested will appear in courts across the country on serious drug dealing, money laundering and fraud-related charges.
3 News
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