Wellington: New Zealand police have seized more than 50 kg of cocaine and USD 211,389 in cash, cocaine, and cryptocurrency wallets as part of a major anti-organized crime operation, while nine people have been arrested, according to Police Minister Poto Williams. "Today, our streets are safer as a result of this major crackdown on class A drugs and money laundering," Williams said in a statement.

New Zealand will not tolerate gangs or organised crime, Williams said, adding that the government has put a record number of police officers on the frontlines with a specific focus on organised crime. According to reports, the government's record investment in the police will include 700 additional organised crime investigators. "By tackling the sale and supply of illicit drugs, as well as serious money laundering activities that cause so much harm in our communities, this crackdown will go a long way to making New Zealanders safer," she said.

The Minister said, 70 New Zealand police and customs officers were involved in Operation Mist, which involved collaboration with the US Drug Enforcement Administration, Colombian National Police, Spanish Customs Service, and Cook Island Customs Service.

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