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Registered: 2019-04-01

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[NEWS] Two arrested after one of New Zealand's largest drugs seizures

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Police have seized more than 200 kilograms of methamphetamine and arrested two people in Auckland.

Last week, police carried out a search at an apartment complex in central Auckland as part of a major drug operation called Operation Essex.

In the apartment, police found a wardrobe full of cardboard packing boxes which contained plastic storage containers with methamphetamine that had an estimated street value of about $144 million.

Detective Inspector Paul Newman said a 60-year-old British man was found at the scene and charged with possession of methamphetamine for supply.

Further inquiries led police to a 49-year-old British man, who police allege was helping the other man.

He was arrested at Auckland Airport trying to flee the country, Newman said, and inquiries were also being made with law enforcement overseas.

The British man has been remanded in custody without plea and will appear at the Auckland District Court on September 4.

The 49-year-old man will appear in the Manukau District Court on August 27.

Newman said this was a significant seizure which would "come as a blow to the meth market in the country".

"That's the sort of money that is going to be taken out of our communities, and quite often within our vulnerable communities."

Wastewater analysis indicated New Zealanders were using about 16kg of methamphetamine a week, Newman said.

"The quantity seized then is equivalent to four months of national methamphetamine consumption."

Newman said the this was one of the largest seizures of the drugs ever in New Zealand.

New Zealand was being targeted by overseas criminal networks looking to exploit families and communities, he said.

"This quantity of methamphetamine would have caused an extraordinary amount of harm and we would have all suffered as a result.

"We are dedicated to try and work out who is involved in the syndicate and what threat they pose to our country."

Newman said New Zealand and Australia attracted high prices for this type of drug.

"To give you an example, a kilo of methamphetamine sourced in Mexico will cost you about $5000.

"Over here, that's $150,000 so it makes us a very attractive destination of choice for international drug dealing syndicates."

The seizure would go a long way to prevent meth-related harm in communities, he said.

Police urge anyone with information about drug offending to contact police or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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