Arrest after million dollar methamphetamine importation

Media Release

Wellington District Police

05 August 2015

Wellington Police and New Zealand Customs have undertaken a joint investigation into the importation of approximately one million dollars worth of Methamphetamine.

Operation Vector has seen the seizure of 1 kilogram Methamphetamine hidden in a courier parcel that was intercepted by Customs at the New Zealand border and intended for a Wellington address.

As a result of the investigation an 18 year old Chinese man residing in New Zealand on a visitors visa has been arrested.

He will reappear in the Wellington District Court on 7 August charged with:

· Importation of a Class A Controlled Drug (Methamphetamine)

· Conspiracy to Supply a Class A Controlled Drug (Methamphetamine)

Detective Senior Sergeant Tim Leitch, head of the Wellington Organised Crime team states “Due to some excellent border security implemented by New Zealand Customs we detected this offending and were able to commence an investigation that has led to this arrest.”

“Though the Methamphetamine was concealed 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 Methamphetamine causes to our community is huge and our staff are committed to targeting those who involve themselves in this kind of offending and hold them to account.

The targeting of these people helps reduce the harm this substance causes to our community and the many victims that are affected by it.”

“We will be working closely with our international partners and sharing intelligence in an attempt to identify all those involved in this offending, both here and in Hong Kong.”

“Methamphetamine is a key driver of Organised Crime and to those contemplating or involved in this type of activity, be warned 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.

Those convicted of Importing and Supplying Methamphetamine can expect to receive long sentences of imprisonment and should think twice before getting involved in this kind of offending.

Police encourage anyone with information relating to Methamphetamine supply to contact them in confidence, alternatively, they can provide the information anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS

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