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New Zealand Police investigating the proceeds of large-scale drug dealing across the North Island have seized luxury vehicles, cash, firearms, drugs and thousands of illicit vapes in coordinated searches spanning Wellington and Auckland.
Police say the investigation targeted the sale of methamphetamine but uncovered a significant quantity of illegal vape products believed to contain the banned Class C1 substance etomidate.
Among the items seized during search warrants executed from Wellington to Auckland were more than 2,000 vapes, over $100,000 in cash, approximately 2.8 kilograms of methamphetamine, 70 grams of cocaine, four litres of GBL, and several firearms including a semi-automatic weapon and ammunition.
A member of the Mongrel Mob and four associates have been charged with multiple offences, with Police indicating further arrests are likely as the investigation continues.
Search warrants were carried out at properties in Upper Hutt, Wellington, Tawa, Pauatahanui and Auckland.
The Police Asset Recovery Unit has restrained more than $1 million in assets, including a residential property, six vehicles, among them two Ferrari convertible sports cars, five motorcycles including a Harley-Davidson and two Victory motorbikes, and a quad bike.
Detective Senior Sergeant Karen Heald said the operation was the result of a focused investigation by a small, dedicated team.
“This investigation unravelled an organised criminal group with connections throughout the North Island and into the South Island,” Heald said.
“The large number of etomidate vapes is particularly concerning, as these are products being peddled to vulnerable people in our community.”
The Minister of Health has issued a Temporary Class Drug Order for etomidate. Police warn the substance can cause involuntary muscle jerking or twitching, loss of coordination, drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, breathing difficulties or hyperventilation, low blood pressure, low heart rate, nausea, vomiting and loss of consciousness.
“It goes without saying that drugs cause immense harm in our communities, not only to those who become addicted, but to their families and to the people who become victims of the crimes committed to fund those addictions,” Heald said.
“It’s remarkable to consider the harm imposed on communities, while offenders are affording themselves significant personal luxuries.”
Detective Sergeant Sam Buckley from the Asset Recovery Unit said Police would continue to pursue both offenders and those who enable them.
“We will continue to target those who profit from criminal offending, as well as those in our communities who knowingly enable this profiteering by accepting illicit funds,” Buckley said.
As part of the operation, Police’s Resilience to Organised Crime in Communities team worked alongside investigators in Porirua to connect people affected by the offending with community-based support services.
Police say targeted enforcement, alongside community resilience initiatives, is key to strengthening long-term outcomes.
