19 Nov 2009

50 arrests in Wellington drugs operation

3:11 pm on 19 November 2009

More than 50 people have been arrested following a major drugs operation in the Wellington area. Some $200,000 in bank accounts has been frozen.

More than 50 people have been arrested following a major drugs operation in the Wellington area.

Officers carried out searches and made arrests in Wellington City, Lower and Upper Hutt, Kapiti Mana and Wairarapa as part of Operation Cobra.

More than 200 charges will be laid, including manufacturing methamphetamine and heroin and firearms offences.

Detective Inspector Darrin Thomson of Wellington Metro CIB says police have restrained $200,000 in bank accounts and are investigating the finances behind several properties using the Proceeds of Crime legislation.

He says police targeted a number of people who appeared to have acquired assets beyond their income.