A 43-year-old Hutt Valley man was arrested this week in relation to Operation Elusive, a National Organised Crime Group (NOCG) investigation into a large-scale methamphetamine supply business operating across the lower North Island.
The man¡¯s vehicle was stopped by Police in the central North Island on 24 May. A search of the vehicle revealed more than $100,000 in cash, and a significant amount of methamphetamine.
The man was arrested and a search was subsequently undertaken at his Lower Hutt address.
As a result of that search, NOCG has seized approximately 10.5 kilos of methamphetamine, other drugs including GBL and cocaine, more than $500,000 in cash, a firearm, and ammunition.
The 43-year-old man has been charged with possession of methamphetamine for supply, possession of GBL for supply, unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, and possession of cocaine.?
The investigation remains ongoing and further charges may be laid.
The 10.5 kilos of methamphetamine seized equates to more than 500,000 individual doses; has a street value of more than $3,600,000; and a Drug Harm Prevention figure of more than $11 million.
¡°This is a considerable seizure, with an appreciable amount of harm removed from our communities,¡± says Detective Inspector Darrin Thomson of NOCG.
¡°I have no doubt we have disrupted a significant supply chain across the Wellington region and wider afield.¡±
¡°Firearms and drugs are a lethal combination and Police are determined to take every opportunity to detect, investigate, prevent, disrupt and confront those involved in serious and organised crime.¡±??
¡°Our communities are safer due to the exceptional disruption of this illicit operation and the seizures made.¡±
The 43-year-old man is scheduled to reappear in Hutt Valley District Court on 13 June 2023.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre.?
