Operation Granite relates to the investigation into the commercial manufacture, distribution and sale of methamphetamine in Christchurch. This has been a joint operation involving Police and Customs.
This investigation involved the profiling of key individuals who Police allege are operating as an organised criminal enterprise. It is further alleged that these individuals have accumulated substantial assets and wealth through their criminality.
The investigation has revealed persons involved in the supply of pseudeophedrine based tablets, which are a key component in the manufacture of methamphetamine.
The investigation has also identified persons involved in the manufacture and sale of methamphetamine.
On 20 May 2010 a methamphetamine clandestine laboratory connected to this criminal enterprise was located at a Christchurch address. Police allege that this laboratory has been operating for some time. Pseudoephedrine tablets capable of manufacturing over $300,000.00 worth of methamphetamine was located hidden at the address, as well as approximately $40,00.00 in cash.
Two further search warrants connected to this address located another two clandestine laboratories at other Christchurch addresses.
Three people have subsequently been charged in relation to these laboratories.
This morning, 9 June 2010, the Christchurch Police terminated Operation Granite.
Fifteen simultaneous search warrants were executed early this morning, some involving STG (Special Tactics Group) and AOS (Armed Offenders Squad) staff. Approximately 160 staff have been utilised, involving local and national staff.
The termination of this operation has proved to be very successful and has identified the extent of the criminality of this criminal enterprise.
Police have located the following:
Three clandestine laboratories located at three separate addresses.
Chemicals and precursors involved in the manufacture of methamphetamine at a separate address.
A pistol, approximately between $20,000-$30,000 cash and a large amount of methamphetamine at one of the clandestine laboratory addresses.
Other substantial amounts of methamphetamine were also found at other addresses.
At this stage, seven people have been arrested on substantial drug charges involving the manufacture and supply of methamphetamine. A further four people will be appearing on lesser drug related matters and firearms offences. It is expected that the majority of these people will be appearing in the Christchurch District Court at 2.15 pm today, 9 June 2010.
The searching of these addresses is still continuing and Police expect further people will be charged in relation to this operation.
It is the view of Police that the termination of this operation will have a significant impact in the availability of methamphetamine in Christchurch. Police believe that this has been a multi million dollar syndicate.
B Archer
Detective Senior Sergeant
Organised Crime Squad
Christchurch
Please note that the attached photographs relate to the Clan Lab that was found on 20 May 2010 at a Hornby address and it will be alledged that this is all part of this criminal enterprise
