Detectives from the Organised and Financial Crime Agency New Zealand (OFCANZ) are appealing to the public for assistance to locate a fifth Brazilian man in connection with the seizure of 2.5kilograms of cocaine on Friday.
Operation Grenoble began on Friday 7 March when approximately 2.5 kilograms of cocaine was discovered by Customs border protection staff at Auckland International Airport. The drugs were concealed in two suitcases which were brought into the country by a 42 year Brazilian national who arrived on a flight from South America.
On Sunday 9 March a 31 year old Brazilian man was arrested in Auckland as he prepared to transport the drugs to the South Island.
On Monday 10 March a further two Brazilian men were arrested in Christchurch in connection with the seizure.
Detectives are now actively searching for a fifth man, suspected to be in the greater Auckland area. They would like to speak with 43 year old Brazilian national, Rodrigo Gerlach Rila, who previously resided on the North Shore in Auckland. He is believed to be travelling in a 1997 Toyota Lucida Estima light van coloured white registration BYE781.
Anyone with information as to Gerlach Rila’s whereabouts is asked to contact Detective Hamish Wyllie on (021) 191-0615.
ENDS
For more information please contact Kevin Sinnott on (021) 192 2917
Note: The Organised and Financial Crime Agency of New Zealand (OFCANZ) targets, investigates, and disrupts individuals and groups involved in organised crime in New Zealand and trans-nationally. Established in 2008 OFCANZ also leads, coordinates and contributes to policy or legislative changes to make it harder for organised criminals to operate in New Zealand. In addition OFCANZ works with the private sector to reduce the opportunities for organised crime and raises public awareness of organised crime and the harm it causes to New Zealanders.
