Wednesday 10th March 2010
A container loaded with $3 million worth of methamphetamine precursors has been seized after a months-long investigation into Chinese drug importers.
Police seized 67kg of the drug ContacNT, which could have been used to manufacture up to 20kg of pure methamphetamine, from a container at the Port of Auckland.
The drugs were hidden inside secret compartments carved into Chinese granite, Detective Senior Sergeant Chris Cahill of the Auckland police drug squad said.
The seizure followed several months of investigation into an alleged Chinese drug ring by police and customs officers.
The drugs, with a street value of $3m, had been imported to supply Auckland methamphetamine labs, Mr Cahill said.
Police estimate the social cost of their sale could have been between $5.5m and $8.2m.
"It is another clear example of police and Customs being able to combine their resources and skills to achieve outstanding results and this will have a significant effect on the availability of methamphetamine in Auckland and possibly greater New Zealand," Mr Cahill said.
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