Large cache of military-grade weapons found in South Auckland property following drug raid
Police have seized an arsenal of weapons, including military assault rifles, during raids on a meth operation in South Auckland.
Officers on Thursday arrested a 37-year-old man after finding what they say was $500,000 of methamphetamine, $150,000 in cash at his apartment and a secret room with a meth lab and two firearms at a "heavily-fortified" Takanini warehouse.
The cache was uncovered following a raid on a city apartment which led to more raids. Source: NZ Police
A search of a nearby house found 14 guns, including AK47s and M16s, with some hidden in the ceiling, Organised Crime Group's Detective Senior Sergeant Lloyd Schmid said.
"The fact that we've found such an elaborate meth set-up, as well as so many guns, will have organised crime at its roots."
Police found 14 guns in total. Source: NZ Police
"When our officers entered the apartment he's alleged to have had a 9mm handgun next to his bed, a plastic container filled with half a kilo of freshly-made methamphetamine worth as much as $500 000 and a bag with around $150 000 in cash."
The raid was carried out as part of Operation Turbo, looking at the manufacture and supply of methamphetamine.
There were several assault rifles found in the cache. Source: NZ Police
"Methamphetamine is a highly-valuable illegal drug, so with competition for market and the possibility of 'rip offs' there's no doubt that firearms are a tool of trade if you've involved in the criminal world of manufacturing or dealing methamphetamine," said Det Snr Sgt Schmid.
"Our enquiries into the associates of the arrested man are ongoing, but we know from experience that the meth being produced in this setup is likely to have been making it's way into the national supply chain."
Police also seized $650,000 in cash and drugs along with a meth lab. Source: NZ Police
"Establishing exactly where these firearms have come from is now a priority for us, and we will make many enquiries into this over the coming days."
The arrested man will appear in Manukau District Court on Friday morning charged with possession for manufacturing meth and unlawful possession of firearms. Police have not ruled laying further charges.
