$17m worth of meth seized by NZ cops in Bandidos bikie gang bust
Around 17 kilograms of
methamphetamine with a street value of $17 million has been
seized following a joint investigation by Counties Manukau
Police and Customs, it has been revealed.
Operation Cossack was a
seven-month joint operation into the alleged importing of
methamphetamine by a member of the Thailand Chapter of the
Bandidos Motor Cycle Gang.
Methamphetamine seized in the Bandidos bust.
Source: NZ Police
Along with the drugs, $150,000 of
recently purchased jewellery and $200,000 cash were also
recovered.
The drugs were destined for the
New Zealand market, said Detective Senior Sergeant Albie
Alexander of the Counties Manukau Organised Crime Unit.
"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 said.
Three men aged 54, 31 and 28 have
appeared in the Manukau District Court and will next appear in
October.
They have been charged with
importing methamphetamine, supplying methamphetamine and money
laundering.
Police say they cannot rule out
further charges.