Police bust major drug dealing ring

Police have made 24 arrests and seized firearms and drugs as part of two major operations in Auckland and Christchurch.

The 24 accused face charges including dealing Class A drugs, possession of firearms and money laundering.

Detective Inspector Darrin Thomson, of the National Organised Crime Group, said police have been undertaking Operation Italian Sky in Christchurch and Operation Sumatra in Auckland for more than 12 months, targeting organised crime groups running a multi-million dollar Class A drug supply chain between the cities.

The operations have now concluded after a total of 32 search warrants in Christchurch and Auckland.

More than 50 vehicles were also searched.

"The operations have significantly disrupted and impacted the activity of several organised crime groups, who have been working together to enable a drug-dealing network which has caused significant harm in our communities," Thomson said.

"The 24 arrests include 11 people in Christchurch and 13 in Auckland, of which 22 are males and two are females, all aged between 20 and 50. All those charged have appeared or are due to appear in Christchurch and Auckland courts."

The 80+ charges laid include:

•         Supplying Methamphetamine
•         Supplying Cocaine
•         Participation in an Organised Criminal Group
•         Possession of Firearms
•         Money laundering
•         Possession of Drug Manufacturing Equipment

Seizures have included:

•         5kg of methamphetamine
•         3.5kg of cocaine
•         Three firearms (pistol, shotgun & rifle)
•         $80,000 Stolen vehicle
•         Jewellery 
•         $500,000+ cash

"NOCG with the support of police specialist groups and Canterbury and Auckland police staff have deployed more than 100 staff members at any one time to disrupt these groups over the past 4 weeks.

"The seizures of cocaine and methamphetamine have an estimated street value of almost $3 million dollars. The volume seized equates to more than 235,000 doses and an estimated $5,500,000 of social harm.

"This has been a well-planned investigation with a focus on disrupting a substantial Class A drug supply chain and holding to account those responsible for distributing serious harm into our communities. The mix of Class A drugs and firearms is a lethal cocktail and Police will continue to act with urgency when such opportunities present themselves. 

"Police have also been supported by New Zealand Customs during the Auckland searches and further investigation is being undertaken in respect to the supply chain and origin of the Class A drugs being supplied.  

"Our communities are a safer place as a result of this investigation, with these illicit substances off the street and with the reduction in the associated harm and misery that impacts our communities.   

"The investigations are ongoing and may lead to more searches and arrests. As the matters are now before the courts, police are not in a position to provide further detail."