New Zealand / Regional

Drug raid also nets $5m cash, assets

20:28 pm on 6 May 2014

Police have seized more than $5 million in assets and cash and arrested eight people in drug raids in Auckland and Nelson.

Operation Genoa, a nine-month investigation into the manufacture and supply of methamphetamine, also led to the confiscation of more than $2 million in cash and $3 million in assets, including five houses, 15 cars, a 10-metre launch and gold bullion.

The street value of the confiscated drugs and precursor drugs was more than $3.5 million, police said.

Seized properties included houses, apartments and lifestyle blocks.

Police said 31 search warrants were executed in Auckland city, rural south Auckland and Nelson.

The eight accused face a range of charges including manufacturing methamphetamine, money laundering and unlawful possession of a restricted weapon.

Police said the street value of the confiscated drugs and precursor drugs was more than $3.5 million.

"The group manufactured and used a variety of false identities in the form of New Zealand drivers' licences and passports with which they then hired facilities to store their ill-gotten gains or other instruments or acquired assets," said Detective Inspector Bruce Good.

He said the two leaders of the operation were from the Head Hunters gang.

Mr Good said it was a concern the operation was so large, as it reflects the size of the market and demand for P.

The courts would now deal with the seized property, he said.

Listen to Bruce Good interviewed

Some of the cash seized in Operation Genoa. Photo: RNZ

Arms seized in Operation Genoa. Photo: RNZ