The methamphetamine had a street value of more than $8 million. Photo: Supplied / NZ Police
Police have arrested four men accused of being in a Wellington-based drug syndicate, seizing 23 kilograms of methamphetamine with a street value of more than $8 million.
Police said over the past month a joint operation with Customs - Operation Armani - identified a group they said were smuggling significant amounts of drugs into New Zealand over a number of months.
More than 1000 MDMA pills, with a street value of $50,000, was also seized.
Police also located a loaded pistol and ammunition.
Last week the National Organised Crime Group, Customs, district investigators and specialist support groups carried out a number of search warrants across the Wellington district.
Four men, aged 26 to 30 faced charges for the import and supply of methamphetamine, and possession for supply of cocaine, MDMA and cannabis.
More than 1000 MDMA pills were seized. Photo: Supplied / NZ Police
They have appeared in the Lower Hutt and Wellington District Courts.
"This is an enormous amount of serious harm being peddled into our communities - with these suppliers giving no conscious thought to the impact on those they are supplying to," Detective Inspector Darrin Thomson said.
"This investigation demonstrates how the excellent work of frontline Customs officers combined with the collaborative efforts of our Police partners is protecting our communities from the scourge of illicit drugs,"Acting Customs investigations manager Matt Green said.
The investigation is ongoing.
