Wellington police raid nets coins, cars, copper, cannabis and more
Wellington police have arrested two men following a year-long investigation into a large-scale drug and firearm operation. The raid resulted in the seizure of methamphetamine, cash, gold coins, and several classic cars.
Why it matters
The case highlights the growing trend of criminals using luxury assets and precious metals to launder proceeds from illicit activities.
The seizure of cash, gold, guns and luxury cars was "a long time coming", police say, following a raid in the capital.
Police in Wellington on Saturday said after a year-long investigation they spent two days searching two properties, uncovering a "huge haul", including gamma-hydroxybutyrate, cannabis, a kilogram of methamphetamine "in distinctive wrapping" worth about $105,000, and "space vape" liquid.
They also took more than $100,000 in cash, $50,000 in gold coins, two guns, a "large recycling bin full of copper" and nine classic cars, including a limousine, a Chevrolet Bel Air and a Plymouth Savoy.
Items seized in a raid by Wellington police, November 2026.
Two men were arrested, aged 53 and 32, and face more than 20 drug- and firearm-related charges between them. Police said more were likely.
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