A patched Tribesmen gang member has been arrested and methamphetamine with a street value of over $2-million-dollars seized following a joint Operation with Counties Manukau Police and New Zealand Customs.
The 29-year-old male will appear in Manukau District Court tomorrow on five charges including importation of methamphetamine and conspiracy to import Class A controlled drugs.
The arrest comes following the launch of Operation General in September this year, which is an inter-agency investigation involving Customs and Counties Manukau Police.
2.2 kilograms of the drug was intercepted at Auckland International Airport, however the alleged offender faces charges in relation to the importation of a further 1.2 kilograms of methamphetamine. That is a total of 3.4 kilograms alleged to have been imported.
Detective Senior Sergeant Albie Alexander of the Counties Manukau Police Organised Crime team says the arrest of a patched Tribesmen member highlights the emphasis that Counties Manukau Police is placing on targeting these organised criminal groups.
“We will continue to work with Customs and our other partner agencies to target those people within our community who try to spread harm through the distribution and sale of drugs. The success of this Operation is down to the assistance Police received from our partners”
Customs Manager Investigations, Maurice O’Brien, says this is another example of the Police and Customs sharing expertise and resources with excellent results.
ENDS
Issued by Shelley Nahr / Communications Manager, Counties Manukau Police
021 595 562
