An international drug ring has been smashed after police uncovered large quantities of cocaine, methamphetamine and nearly $500,000 during raids on homes across the North Island yesterday. The joint investigation between New Zealand Police and New Zealand Customs Service seized a quantity of meth hidden in a picture of the Virgin Mary and another stash discovered in a steel plate compactor. Police said they seized 435 grams of methamphetamine, approximately $455,000, and clan lab-related items after searches of 112 homes in the Waikato and Wellington yesterday, as part of Operation Bali. National Organised Crime Group director Detective Superintendent Greg Williams said Operation Bali which targeted the importation, sale and supply of cocaine and methamphetamine. "[Organised crime] groups are intent on pumping as much illicit drugs as they can into our communities, causing considerable social harm, crime and victimisation," said Williams.

Source: New Zealand Herald June 09, 2022 13:32 UTC