A bucket containing methamphetamine, located by police during a search warrant carried out as part of Operation Gallium. Photo: Supplied / NZ Police
Seven men have been charged after police carried out a series of search warrants across the North Island as part of a long-term investigation into methamphetamine manufacturing in remote rural locations.
The search warrants, which were executed in Whanganui, Hamilton, and Auckland, led to the seven men - aged between 33 and 57 - being charged as part of Operation Gallium.
Police said they found 19.32kg of methamphetamine, with an estimated street value of $6.7 million, as well as a number of pre-cursor chemicals and equipment associated with large, commercial-scale methamphetamine manufacture.
The New Zealand Defence Force assisted the police operation in the form of air support, which enabled its success in the remote and rugged Whanganui River area, police said.
Detective inspector Albie Alexander said the methamphetamine seizure was significant for the central region and showed the importance and strength of the on-going co-operative work being undertaken by national groups, district investigators and the police's sector partners.
"The work targets those who illegally accumulate assets and wealth through the sale and manufacture of illegal drugs.
"This type of offending undermines the well-being of our communities by creating significant social harm and the New Zealand police are committed to disrupting and dismantling drug networks identified."
Other class A and B controlled drugs, including LSD and GBL, were also seized, as well as a firearm, a significant quantity of cash and 19 vehicles - including five motorcycles, two boats, two jetskis and a caravan.
Those before the courts are:
- Three men, aged 47, 55 and 57, who have been remanded in custody to reappear in Whanganui District Court on 30 May.
- A 33-year-old man, who has a warrant issued for his arrest by Hamilton District Court.
- A 41-year-old man, who is due to appear in Manukau District Court on 24 March.
- A 50-year-old man, who is due to reappear in the Hamilton District Court on 5 May.
- A 57-year-old man, who is due to appear in Manukau District Court on 15 March.
Police said Operation Gallium was ongoing and further arrests could not be ruled out.