Operation Mexted seized a variety of firearms from an international drug-smuggling ring. Photo: Supplied/NZ Police
Police have arrested 11 people, and seized guns and drugs, along with nearly $1 million cash, in a five-month operation targeting an international organised crime cell smuggling drugs into New Zealand.
Jointly run by the National Organised Crime Group and NZ Customs, 'Operation Mexted' began in June, when police raided an Air BnB in Māngere Bridge, Auckland.
"During the search, four glocks and a submachine gun were located inside a suitcase in an upstairs bedroom," Acting Detective Inspector Jason Hunt of the NOCG said.
"Later that day, three American nationals were arrested at an Onehunga address for the possession of these firearms, and were subsequently charged with importing methamphetamine and participating in an organised criminal group."
Last month, four more search warrants were executed at properties in Pakuranga, Ōtara, Blockhouse Bay and Papatoetoe
"As a result, four people were charged in relation to a number of methamphetamine importations, as well as possession for supply of 750 grams of methamphetamine."
Last week, another man was arrested for money laundering, after more than $800,000 was found at a Takapuna apartment, while another was discovered with 41 grams of methamphetamine and NZ$77,000 at a Mt Wellington address.
On Thursday, police and customs swooped on 10 Auckland and Waikato properties, and detained seven more people.
"We are continuing to focus our efforts on these syndicates establishing themselves for financial greed while preying on vulnerable communities," Acting Detective Inspector Hunt said.
"Police will continue to act, alongside customs and our other law enforcement partners, to shut down this organised criminal offending taking place across different parts of the country."
The cell is the 29th shut down in New Zealand since 2016. Ten men, aged between 23-39, and one women, aged 33, face combined charges for drugs and border-related offences, including unlawful possession of firearms, importation of methamphetamine, possession for supply methamphetamine, and importation of cannabis resin and plant.
Operation Mexted seized almost $1 million in cash. Photo: Supplied/NZ Police
Police have also laid charges of participants in an organised criminal group (material benefits) and participants in an organised criminal group (violence). Those charged have appeared in the Manukau District Court.
Acting customs investigations manager Simon Peterson said customs used its investigative and specialist expertise to identify the syndicate's attempts to exploit the NZ border, and gathered and shared this intelligence with police partners.
"Customs identified the suspects smuggling cannabis plants and resin into the country, tracking their smuggling activities throughout and gathering evidence," he said. "The offenders now face charges for the importation of 18kg of methamphetamine, as well importation charges for cannabis.
"This joint investigation with our police partners has disrupted this criminal group and kept 900,000 doses of methamphetamine off our streets."
By the numbers
- 11 people arrested
- Five firearms located
- NZ$915,335 cash seized
- 791g of methamphetamine located
- 18g of cocaine
- 54g of cannabis
Importation charges
- 18kg methamphetamine
- 408g cannabis (resin)
- 1673g cannabis (plants)
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