Eleven people have been arrested and millions of dollars worth of drugs have been seized following a police operation into a local drug dealing syndicate.
Police allege more than 7000 litres of GBL has been imported. Photo: NZ Police
The second phase of Operation Skipjack targeted the importation of the Class B drug GBL - a more potent version of GHB, according to the New Zealand Drug Foundation - and class C drug Eutylone, which is a stimulant.
It was found the drugs were being imported through the mail system, and Customs intercepted more than 20 parcels.
It was alleged more than 7000 litres of GBL had been imported.
The street value of the GBL involved was estimated at $28 million while its community harm was identified as more than $1 billion, police said.
Phase One of Operation Skipjack culminated in November last year, and saw four people arrested.
It brings the total number of people arrested during both phases of the operation to 15, with a total of 50 charges, including the importation of Class A, B and C controlled drugs, and possession for supply and offering Class A, B and C drugs, and burglary.
During the search warrants, $60,000 in cash was seized, as well as three firearms including one loaded semi-automatic weapon with 70 rounds of ammunition, and one kilo of methamphetamine.
"Operation Skipjack will cause significant disruption in the illicit drug market and the seizure of such an enormous of quantity of GBL will certainly reduce and prevent the harm associated with this drug," Detective Inspector Darrin Thomson, the Wellington District Field Crime Manager, Organised Crime said in a statement.
"GBL is a dangerous drugs for users and we have a responsibility to keep New Zealanders safe."
In total, more than 70 police and Customs staff have executed 22 search warrants in Wellington, Hutt Valley, Kāpiti Mana, Horowhenua and Palmerston North.