P raids uncover $150k in paddock

Police have dug $150,000 cash out of a paddock during drug raids that also uncovered $300,000 worth of P.

Nine people were arrested and three properties and a range of farm equipment were seized in the sting, carried out by the Organised & Financial Agency of New Zealand and police in the Far North and Auckland this week.

In total, property and assets worth about $2 million were seized.

The three properties included two farms in the far north and a property in Red Beach, Auckland. The range of vehicles seized included quad bikes, diggers and tractors, as well as other farm equipment.

The cash was found buried in a paddock on a property in Kaitaia. 

The nine arrested are facing multiple charges of manufacturing methamphetamine, supply of methamphetamine, participating in an organised criminal group and money laundering.

Dectective Sergeant John Sowter said the group were alleged to have been manufacturing methamphetamine and supplying the Upper North Island, Auckland, Napier and as far south as Wellington.

- © Fairfax NZ News