Wellington police raid nets coins, cars, copper, cannabis and more

Detailed summary

The seizure of cash, gold, guns and luxury cars was "a long time coming", police say, following a raid in the capital.

The seizure of cash, gold, guns and luxury cars was "a long time coming", police say, following a raid in the capital.

Police in Wellington on Saturday said after a year-long investigation they spent two days searching two properties, uncovering a "huge haul", including gamma-hydroxybutyrate, cannabis, a kilogram of methamphetamine "in distinctive wrapping" worth about $105,000, and "space vape" liquid.

They also took more than $100,000 in cash, $50,000 in gold coins, two guns, a "large recycling bin full of copper" and nine classic cars, including a limousine, a Chevrolet Bel Air and a Plymouth Savoy.

Two men were arrested, aged 53 and 32, and face more than 20 drug- and firearm-related charges between them. Police said more were likely.

"One of the men has been supplying a wide range of illicit drugs from his property for many years, benefitting off the addiction of others," Detective Senior Sergeant Lee Underhill said.

"It may have been a long time coming, but we are pleased to have taken these drugs and firearms out of the community, as well as seizing millions of dollars' worth of assets that I believe are the profits from his illegal enterprise."

"The view from the top of the hill might have been worth a million dollars, but the cost of alleged criminal activity could prove considerably higher."

Detective Sergeant Sam Buckley said there had been a noticeable increase in criminals hiding their proceeds "through the purchase of virtual assets, shares and precious metals".

"This is in addition to the more common methods of investing, through the purchase of vehicles and property."

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