Photo: RNZ / Marika Khabazi
Three men have been arrested as part of a police operation into an alleged organised crime syndicate.
Warrants were executed at ten properties across Tāmaki Makaurau, including in Auckland City and on the North Shore, police said.
More than five firearms, quantities of drugs including methamphetamine, MDMA, ephedrine, and 50 kilograms of iodine, alleged to be used in the manufacture of methamphetamine, were seized.
The men, aged between 35 and 40, were charged with offences including the importation of Class A and B controlled drugs, money laundering, and the unlawful possession of a firearm.
Police allege the men were part of a group of foreign nationals responsible for organising the import of a significant quantity of illegal drugs into New Zealand.
Police have worked in collaboration with Customs and overseas agencies on the operation.
All three men appeared in the Auckland District Court today.