Police have seized thousands of illicit vapes, luxury vehicles, drugs and firearms following search warrants executed in Pauatahanui and other centres across the lower North Island.
The operation focused on the proceeds of methamphetamine dealing and included warrants in Pauatahanui, Wellington, Upper Hutt, Tawa and Auckland.
Police say more than 2000 vapes believed to contain the banned substance etomidate were seized, along with about $100,000 in cash, 2.8 kilograms of methamphetamine, 70 grams of cocaine, four litres of GBL and several firearms.
A Mongrel Mob member and four associates have been charged. Further arrests are expected.
More than $1 million in assets has been restrained by the Police Asset Recovery Unit, including a house, six cars including two Ferrari convertible sports cars, five motorcycles and a quad bike.
Detective Senior Sergeant Karen Heald said the volume of etomidate vapes was a major concern.
“These are products being sold to vulnerable people in our community,” she said.
Etomidate is now subject to a temporary class drug order issued by the Minister of Health. The substance can cause symptoms such as dizziness, involuntary muscle movements, breathing problems and loss of consciousness.
Police say the offending caused widespread harm while funding an extravagant lifestyle.
Alongside enforcement action, the Resilience to Organised Crime in Communities team worked in Porirua to link affected individuals and whānau with community-based support services.
Police said combining targeted enforcement with local resilience work was critical to long-term community safety.