Firearms, cash, chemicals and laboratory equipment used to make methamphetamine were found during raids by the Wellington Police District Organised Crime Unit this morning.
Detective Senior Sergeant Darrin Thomson, Organised Crime Unit head, said three search warrants were executed simultaneously at addresses in Upper Hutt, Featherston and Porirua today.
The warrants were issued under the Summary Proceedings and Misuse of Drugs Acts with the focus on locating items used in the manufacture of the Class A controlled drug methamphetamine.
Organised Crime Unit staff together with support from specialist units and Area CIB officers executed the warrants which resulted in three arrests.
A 34-year-old Upper Hutt man will be appearing in the Upper Hutt Distict Court on drugs and firearms charges; a 35-year-old Featherston man will appear in the Masterton District Court on drugs and firearms charges and a 32-year-old Porirua man will appear in the Porirua District Court on drugs charges.
Detective Senior Sergeant Thomson said the Operation Trio is on-going.
He said specialists were used to enter the premises because of the volatile and hazardous nature of clan lab scenes. "Special care was needed to ensure the safety of police staff and the public," he said. "All three addresses were entered without incident.
"Police and ESR staff are currently undertaking a scene examination of a clan lab at a commercial premises in Upper Hutt. This is expected to take a day or two to process.
"A significant amount of cash, chemicals, equipments and weapons have been located and they will form part of the basis for charges in respect to the Upper Hutt individual."
Detective Senior Sergeant Thomson said the finding of chemicals, equipment and weapons highlights the importance of safety planning and preparation when dealing with clan lab investigations.
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Contact: Detective Senior Sergeant Darrin Thomson, Wellington Metro Crime Unit,
Tel: 04 493 6514