A container loaded with $3 million worth of methamphetamine
precursors has been seized after a months-long investigation
into Chinese drug importers.
Police seized 67kg of the drug ContacNT, which could have
been used to manufacture up to 20kg of pure methamphetamine,
from a container at the Port of Auckland.
The drugs were hidden inside secret compartments carved into
Chinese granite, Detective Senior Sergeant Chris Cahill of
the Auckland police drug squad said.
The seizure followed several months of investigation into an
alleged Chinese drug ring by police and customs officers.
The drugs, with a street value of $3m, had been imported to
supply Auckland methamphetamine labs, Mr Cahill said.
Police estimate the social cost of their sale could have been
between $5.5m and $8.2m.
"It is another clear example of police and Customs being able
to combine their resources and skills to achieve outstanding
results and this will have a significant effect on the
availability of methamphetamine in Auckland and possibly
greater New Zealand," Mr Cahill said.
Five Chinese-born men, aged between 17 and 22, have been
charged with importing pseudoephedrine, and possession of
pseudoephedrine for supply.
Police said they had appeared in Auckland District Court. One
man was remanded in custody and four were released on bail.
Three of the men were in New Zealand on student visas, while
two were permanent residents.
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