Wellington Police and the New Zealand Customs Service have undertaken a joint investigation into the importation of what is believed to be in excess of a million dollars worth of liquid Methamphetamine.
Operation Gravity has seen the seizure of approximately 3.5 litres of liquid Methamphetamine destined for Wellington that was intercepted by Customs at the border.
As a result of the investigation two Taiwanese nationals have been arrested. A 28 year old female and 45 year old male appeared in the Wellington District Court this morning charged with importation of a Class A Controlled Drug (Methamphetamine) and conspiracy to supply a Class A Controlled Drug (Methamphetamine).
Detective Senior Sergeant Tim Leitch, head of the Wellington Drugs and Organised Crime team states “Due to excellent profiling at the border by New Zealand Customs we detected this offending and were able to commence an investigation that has led to these arrests.”
“Though the Methamphetamine was concealed in a way to try and avoid law enforcement, NZ Customs have again shown that through vigilance and having quality systems in place significant seizures can be made. This is helping to keep New Zealanders safe.”
“The harm and misery Methamphetamine causes to our community is immense and our enforcement agencies are committed to targeting those high level importers and hold them to account. The targeting of these people reduces the many victims that are affected by this illicit substance.”
“Over the next few weeks we will be undertaking enquiries to identify any others involved in the importation including working closely with our international partners.”
“To those contemplating this type of activity I can strongly advise that both the New Zealand Police and New Zealand Customs are on high alert and deploying resources into this area as part of our prevention first strategy. Importing and supplying Methamphetamine are life imprisonment offences which clearly reflect the seriousness of this offending."
ENDS
For media queries, please contact Nick Bohm, Wellington Police District Communications Manager, on 021 192 1816.
