Pubdate: Sun, 18 Jan 2009
Source: New Zealand Herald (New Zealand)
Copyright: 2009 New Zealand Herald
Contact: http://info.nzherald.co.nz/letters/
Website: http://www.nzherald.co.nz/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/300
Author: Rebecca Milne
Note: MAP archives articles exactly as published, except that our 
editors may redact the names and addresses of accused persons who 
have not been convicted of a crime, if those named are not otherwise 
public figures or officials.
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)

GUN AND DRUGS SEIZED

Almost $1 million and a loaded pen-gun were seized from the properties
of a property developer accused of manufacturing and supplying
methamphetamine, police say.

Farmer-turned-developer [redacted] was arrested in Auckland
last month after an eight-week police operation. The Herald on Sunday
has been told [redacted]  has assets worth an estimated $10 million.

Police searched addresses in Auckland, Whangarei and Mangonui on
December 22 and say they seized five ounces of P, the loaded bronze
pen-gun and $800,000 in cash.

[redacted]  faces five charges resulting from last month's raid,
including manufacturing methamphetamine, possession for supply and
conspiring to manufacture methamphetamine between October 13 and
December 22 last year.

He appeared in Auckland District Court last month and was remanded in
custody for another appearance in a fortnight.

At the time of [redacted] 's arrest, police described him as "a very
significant figure in both the Northland and Auckland methamphetamine
scenes".

Police sources believe the arrest will have a major impact on the
supply of methamphetamine in both areas.

[redacted] , has been active in his community. 
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake