File image. Photo: 123rf.com
Two men have been arrested in Blenheim after a seven-month investigation into the importation and sale of illegal drugs in the region.
Tasman Organised Crime unit Detective Senior Sergeant Shane Dye said about 1.8kg of MDMA, with an approximate street value of $540,000, and 29g of ketamine, with an approximate street value of $7250 were located during a search warrant in Blenheim.
Three vehicles and more than $130,000 in cryptocurrency were also seized as part of asset recovery action.
A 22-year-old man appeared in the Blenheim District Court today charged with 19 counts of importing MDMA, possession of MDMA for supply and possession of ketamine.
A 23-year-old is due to appear next Monday, charged with being a party to importing MDMA.
The Tasman Organised Crime Unit commenced Operation Honeydew in Blenheim during November 2022, a joint operation with New Zealand Customs.
To date, about 4 litres of liquid MDMA with an approximate street value of over more than $1 million, 130g of crystal MDMA with an estimated street value of over $39,000 and 100g of ketamine with an estimated street value of $32,000.
Police say inquiries are continuing and further arrests cannot be ruled out.