Police have seized around 17kg of methamphetamine worth $17 million as part of a seven-month investigation into a member of the Bandidos Motor Cycle Gang.
In addition, $150,000 in recently purchased jewellery and $200,000 in cash was seized as part of Operation Cossack, a joint operation between Counties Manakau Police and Customs.
The investigation focussed around a member of the Thailand chapter of the Bandidos gang suspected of importing meth into the country.
Three men aged 54, 31 and 28 have apppeared in court charged with importing methamphetamine, supplying methamphetamine and money laundering.
Detective Senior Sergeant Albie Alexander says the drugs recovered were destined for the New Zealand market.
"The seizure of such a substantial amount sends a clear picture that police will continue to work with our partner agencies to disrupt the supply chain and reduce the harm caused by this drug."
He says the seizure has prevented a lot of possible harm.
"Methamphetamine is a significant driver of crime in New Zealand. It ruins lives, destroys families and does enormous damage to our communities,"
Police are not ruling out any further arrests in relation to the case.
Newshub.
