Wellington police have arrested 35 people and seized more than $1 million in assets after an investigation into a methamphetamine ring in the district.
Some of the seized drugs and jewellery from the Wellington meth ring bust. Photo: RNZ / Charlotte Cook
Police said the arrested suspects - 31 men and 4 women - face more than 200 charges, including distribution of methamphetamine and cannabis, money laundering and firearms offending.
Methamphetamine, cannabis, cash, vehicles, a launch, artwork, jewellery, gold and seven firearms were seized during the warrants.
Wellington police started targeting two syndicates in August 2018 over what they believed was the distribution of millions of dollars' worth of methamphetamine into the wider Wellington community.
Some of the more than $1m in cash and assets seized by police. Photo: Supplied / NZ Police
Police carried out more than 40 search warrants, and concentrated mostly on the Porirua, Wellington City, and Hutt Valley areas.
Detective Inspector Darrin Thomson of the Wellington Drugs and Organised Crime team said police believed their action will have seriously disrupted the commercial drug operation across the Wellington region.
"We are sending a clear message to those people deriving their income from drug activities that harm our communities.
"The impact on families and the associated harm caused to the wider community is unacceptable in a society where every person has the right to both be safe and feel safe."