A long-running police investigation has exposed a syndicate operating a drug importation and distribution network through the dark web.
Operation Solana, led by the National Organised Crime Group, had been ongoing for the last nine months looking at the alleged importation and distribution of methamphetamine, cocaine, MDMA and ketamine.
It led to 16 search warrants being carried out across Auckland and Hamilton in late February.
Police arrested 11 people and seized drugs and cash.
Detective Senior Sergeant Jason Hunt, from the National Organised Crime Group, said police would allege the group used dark web markets, encrypted messaging applications, and cryptocurrency services to obscure their identities and financial flows.
The drugs were being sent to New Zealand from the United Kingdom, Europe and the USA.
Hunt said the investigation started after a local syndicate was found using anonymous online marketplaces to carry out illegal activities.
Customs and overseas law enforcement agencies from USA, Australian Border Force, and Europe seized in excess of 200 kilograms of these controlled drugs at their borders destined for this syndicate, Hunt said.
Approximately $500,000 in cash had been seized during the search warrants along with guns, including a 3D printed one.
Eleven people, aged between 24 and 42, were expected in the Auckland District Court and Hamilton District Court on Friday facing charges of importing, possessing and supplying class A, B and C drugs, unlawful possessions of firearms and participating in an organised criminal group.
Source: https://www.police.govt.nz/news/release/op-solana-police-operation-shines-light-drug-syndicate
