By DPA,
Wellington : New Zealand police arrested 12 people, including eight prison inmates, Tuesday in what they called a major drug ring smuggling medicines into the country from China.
Police said raids on two prisons and 23 homes in Auckland followed a six-month investigation into the activities of a well-organised group of criminals involved in the manufacture of methamphetamine and other illegal drugs.
Customs officers said the investigation intercepted 20 kg of Contact NT, a controlled substance used to make methamphetamine, in packets mailed from China. They said it was enough to make five kilograms of the drug.
Operation commander detective inspector Steve Wood said police also seized a hydroponic cannabis-growing operation, firearms and cash, though none of it was confiscated from the prisons.
The 12 suspects, including two women, will appear in court Sep 22 on a range of charges, including the manufacture and supply of illegal drugs.