11 Arrested in Auckland Meth Bust

Police have dismantled an offshore methamphetamine operation after arresting 11 people across Auckland on Tuesday morning.

Eight search warrants were executed in Avondale, Pakuranga and other Auckland locations as part of Operation Haste. All 11 men — Chinese and Taiwanese nationals aged between 21 and 53 — have appeared in Auckland District Court.

Detectives from the National Organised Crime Group identified the group as a transnational serious and organised crime cell that had travelled to New Zealand specifically to manufacture and distribute methamphetamine.

"We believe this group entered the country specifically to manufacture illicit drugs, supported by several New Zealand-based facilitators," Detective Inspector Tom Gollan said.

Armed Offenders Squad members supported the warrants. Officers found an operational clandestine laboratory along with equipment and materials to run it.

"Approximately $200,000 in cash, pseudoephedrine and about 10 kilograms of methamphetamine have also been recovered," Gollan said.

Scene examinations at several locations are still ongoing. Gollan said further charges are likely.

The 11 men face charges of possession for supply of methamphetamine, importing precursors and participating in an organised criminal group.

"This operation highlights the ongoing value of strong cooperation with our international partners to rapidly identify and dismantle transnational organised crime groups," Gollan said. "Police have zero tolerance for individuals who come into this country to profit from the harm illicit drugs cause. We are very pleased to arrest and hold this group to account."

Operation Haste is the 32nd transnational crime cell dismantled by the National Organised Crime Group since 2018.