Meth, guns in golf cart batteries

Millions of dollars worth of methamphetamine along with two handguns have been recovered from imported EV golf cart batteries.

Two men were due to appear in the Auckland District Court on February 25 in relation to the Customs NZ and police investigation.

Customs officers inspected a shipping container in January with three six-seater golf carts inside imported from the US.

They found 110kg of methamphetamine and the two guns inside the EV golf cart batteries.

During the weekend, Customs investigators assisted by police searched homes in West and South Auckland, arresting a 39-year-old Taiwanese national and a 27-year-old Chinese national.

They face charges relating to the importation and possession of a class A controlled drug.

This seizure has prevented up to an estimated $136.3 million of social harm to New Zealand communities, Customs NZ says.

The operation was the direct result of some very good intelligence and inspections work by Customs staff, Customs investigations manager Bruce Berry says.

“The presence of loaded firearms concealed with the drugs is a very real concern and shows the lengths organised crime groups are prepared to go to. It also represents a changing risk profile to both our officers and the community at large,” he says.

“Customs is committed to targeting and stopping smuggling attempts like this one, and the criminal syndicates responsible for trying to bring illicit drugs into our country with no concern for the devastating harm it causes.”

Detective inspector Paul Newman from the National Organised Crime Group says police have been working with Customs to bring the operation to a successful conclusion.

“It’s another excellent example of the two agencies’ collaboration and our focus to prevent the harm caused by drugs such as methamphetamine.”

“We are focused on and dedicated to disrupting the production, smuggling and distribution of methamphetamine, and we think this is a great result,” Newman says.

Call 0800 4 CUSTOMS (0800 428 786), or Crime stoppers on 0800 555 111 anonymously, if you suspect illegal drug smuggling.