Sophisticated drug ring uncovered

Wellington Police have pulled apart a sophisticated drug ring overnight with further arrests likely.

A joint New Zealand Police and New Zealand Customs Service investigation has uncovered a sophisticated drug syndicate distributing the drug MDMA.

Detective Senior Sergeant Warwick McKee says "The New Zealand Customs Service intercepted a package containing 330 grams of the drug going to a Wellington Post Office Box number from a North American address.

"Police have subsequently arrested a 25-year-old Wellington woman who will appear in the Wellington District Court today.

"It is estimated that the street value of the drugs is more than $60,000.

"Drugs like this do untold damage to our community. Police are pleased to have disrupted the actions of a group whose sole intention was to sell the drugs with the aim of making significant amounts of money.

“The harm that these drugs cause to our community is immense with groups like this targeting the vulnerable.

"Experimenting with these types of drugs can lead to tragic circumstances and Wellington Police are determined to be proactive in disrupting this type of serious offending.

"Police and Customs have a number of other targets in Auckland and Wellington.

"We are following a number of positive lines of inquiry and further search warrants and interceptions will be executed over the next two weeks.

"Both Police and Customs are liaising with international authorities", says Detective Senior Sergeant McKee.