Pseudoephedrine Shopping Syndicate Bust results in three arrests

The Wellington Metro Crime Unit terminated an investigation into the activities of a group of people alleged to be involved in the purchasing of Cold and Flu medicines containing the pre cursor for the Class A Drug Methamphetamine.

The Pseudoephedrine based products are sold over the counter from pharmacies and this group has targeted these outlets over a number of months purporting to be legitimate customers.

The investigation codenamed ‘Operation Tarantula’ resulted in Police from Levin and Wellington executing search warrants at several addresses in the Levin area today.

As a result three (3) Levin women aged 41 years, 38 years and 17 years have been arrested and together face over 100 charges relating to the purchase and supply of Pseudoephedrine.

Detective Sergeant Paris Razos, who lead the investigation, says police identified this group as shopping for these pre cursor products in the following regions:
• Hawkes Bay
• Palmerston
• Wellington
• Hutt Valley
• Top of the South Island.

"We believe the medicines have been supplied to those involved in the manufacturing of drugs (methamphetamine)."

"Significant support from pharmacy staff in all these areas has helped the investigation team identify those involved and the extent of their offending."

"Typically persons involved in this type of offending receive cash or drugs for going on these shopping sprees."

"With the assistance of Pharmacy Staff we will continue to monitor the illicit purchase and use of those over the counter products available to those involved in the Methamphetamine trade".

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