Police arrested two men and seized drugs, cash, and assets today in a series of raids targeting drug supply in Wellington. The operation, known as Operation Erosion, culminates a two-month investigation into the distribution of controlled drugs in the region.
Search warrants executed in Khandallah and Hataitai led to the arrests of two men, aged 29 and 31. The pair face charges related to the supply of cocaine, ketamine, MDMA, and cannabis. One also faces a money laundering charge.
During the searches, investigators recovered $50,000 in cash, three vehicles, and 9kg of cannabis with a street value exceeding $75,000.
Detective Inspector Darrin Thomson of the National Organised Crime Group says the 29-year-old man used social media and encrypted applications to market cocaine to an audience of up to 500 people. “Police will allege through the prosecution that social media played a significant role in the offending,” says Thomson. “This data will now undergo further analysis as part of our ongoing investigation.”
The operation also involved the Central Asset Recovery Unit, which will focus on seizing assets linked to the proceeds of crime. “Police will allege that the quality of the vehicles and the cash seized demonstrate a lifestyle funded by drug dealing,” says Detective Senior Sergeant Mike Fischer.
Police emphasised their commitment to combating organised crime. “This co-ordinated effort reflects our dedication to reducing harm and holding offenders to account,” says Thomson.
The 29-year-old is set to appear in Wellington District Court on 29 November, with the 31-year-old scheduled for 2 December.