Two men were arrested in a Wellington drug bust today — with one alleged to be using social media and “encrypted apps” to sell cocaine to an audience of up to 500 people.
Police searched two properties in Khandallah and Hataitai following a two-month investigation into the supply of illegal drugs into the region.
Two men, aged 29 and 31, were charged in relation to the supply of cocaine, ketamine, MDMA and cannabis. One of the men also faced a money laundering charge.
The 29-year-old were to appear in the Wellington District Court tomorrow, while the 31-year-old would appear on December 2.
In today’s searches, around $50,000 in cash, three vehicles, and 9kg of cannabis with a street value of $75,000 were seized.
‘Significant amounts of cocaine’
“Police will allege through the prosecution that the 29-year-old man was using social media and encrypted applications to offer significant amounts of cocaine for sale and that his messaging reached an audience of up to 500 people,” Detective Inspector Darrin Thomson said.
“Police will be analysing this data as part of their ongoing investigation.”
He said police would also focus on seizing assets from the duo.
“This has been a coordinated approach with our Asset Recovery Team, who have identified assets and lifestyle spending that police will allege has come from the proceeds of serious drug dealing.
“This is part of our continued commitment to holding offenders to account and preventing and reducing crime and harm in our communities.”
Detective Senior Sergeant Mike Fischer of the Central Asset Recovery Unit said his team would work closely with investigators to identify criminal offending and size assets “wherever possible”.
“Police will allege that the quality of the three vehicles and the $50,000 cash seized clearly show the offenders were living a lifestyle through illegitimate means.”
