'One of the largest': Vietnamese cannabis syndicate shut down
New Zealand police have dismantled a major Vietnamese cannabis syndicate following a 10-month investigation involving 19 raids across Auckland. Authorities seized over $1.25 million in equipment, cash, and five tonnes of cannabis material.
Why it matters
This operation represents a significant blow to organized drug trafficking networks in New Zealand and highlights the scale of illicit cultivation operations.
<p>An alleged Vietnamese cannabis syndicate in Auckland has been shut down, with 12 people being arrested. </p> <p>Police described the organisation as "one of the largest syndicates" operating and supplying cannabis grow houses in Auckland.</p> <p>Officers executed 19 raids in Flat Bush, Howick, Sylvia Park, Wiri, and Massey as part of the operation late last week. Police were supported by Immigration NZ and Customs.</p> <p>The alleged kingpin, a 36-year-old Flat Bush man, was among those arrested. </p> <p>During the raids, officers seized around $1.25 million worth of cannabis cultivation equipment and $80,000 in cash.</p> <p>A pistol and ammunition were found at one Massey property, with around 35kg of cannabis and "several large bags" of MDMA pills also seized.
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