Grid Sparta

🚨𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗣𝗛𝗢𝗘𝗡𝗜𝗫 𝗦𝗠𝗔𝗦𝗛𝗘𝗦 𝗔𝗟𝗟𝗘𝗚𝗘𝗗 𝗠𝗘𝗧𝗛 𝗡𝗘𝗧𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗞, 𝟭𝟭 𝗠𝗘𝗡 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗥𝗚𝗘𝗗, 𝟵 𝗙𝗜𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗠𝗦 𝗦𝗘𝗜𝗭𝗘𝗗🚨

𝗔𝗿𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Kaikohe, Kaitaia, Northland & Auckland, New Zealand
𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Operation Phoenix
𝗦𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲: New Zealand Police

A year-long police investigation has dismantled an alleged methamphetamine manufacturing and supply operation hidden in remote parts of the Far North, with 11 men now facing serious drug charges.

Operation Phoenix, led by the National Organised Crime Group, saw police execute 34 search warrants across Northland and Auckland. Large numbers of investigators, specialist units, Armed Offenders Squad members, detector dogs, clan lab teams and search specialists were deployed during the operation.

Police recovered nine fi****ms, hundreds of rounds of ammunition, methamphetamine, chemicals and equipment allegedly used to manufacture the drug, a cannabis grow room, and approximately $15,000 in cash.

Among the weapons seized were an Alfa Carbine pistol, a Norinco .22LR rifle and a Mossberg 12-gauge shotgun. Investigators say one loaded pistol was discovered hidden inside a backpack in a child's bedroom.

Detective Superintendent Greg Williams said police are sending a clear message to criminal groups operating in small communities, warning that authorities will continue targeting those allegedly manufacturing and supplying methamphetamine throughout New Zealand.

The 11 men, aged between 27 and 61, have appeared in the Kaikohe District Court facing charges including manufacturing methamphetamine, possession for supply, supplying methamphetamine, and participating in an organised criminal group.

Police say the operation remains ongoing and further arrests are expected.

🚨 𝗣𝗥𝗜𝗦𝗢𝗡𝗘𝗥 𝗢𝗡 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗥𝗨𝗡 𝗔𝗙𝗧𝗘𝗥 𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗣𝗔𝗦𝗦𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗔𝗧𝗘 𝗥𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗘🚨

𝗜𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Hawke's Bay, New Zealand
𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Wanted Person Appeal
𝗦𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲: NZ Police

Police are urgently seeking sightings of 36-year-old Royal Hawea, who failed to return to prison after being released on compassionate grounds in Hawke's Bay.

A warrant has been issued for his arrest, and police are appealing to the public for information about his whereabouts and recent movements.

Authorities have warned the public not to approach him if sighted. Instead, anyone who sees him should call 111 immediately and provide updates to police.

Information can also be provided using reference number **260430/3794**, or anonymously through Crime Stoppers.

The search is continuing as police work to locate and return Hawea to custody.

👉 Anyone with information is urged to contact police as soon as possible.

🚔👮‍♂️📢