10. SANDRA GOUDIE (National—Coromandel) Link to this
to the Minister of Police
What reports has she received on successful operations by the police against organised crime?
Hon JUDITH COLLINS (Minister of Police) Link to this
I congratulate the police on carrying out a significant hit on organised crime over the past week or so. A year-long operation, code-named Operation Acacia, netted large amounts of cash, methamphetamine, and illegally acquired firearms. In addition, a multimillion-dollar alleged money-laundering business and other assets have been restrained, with a view to confiscation. When our Government toughened the laws relating to gangs and organised crime, this was exactly the sort of result we were looking for. The message is clear from the police that they are coming after illegal businesses and the profits of crime.
What information has she received about the amount of methamphetamine being seized by the police and other Government agencies?
Hon JUDITH COLLINS Link to this
I am very pleased to report that provisional data show that methamphetamine seizures in the first 5 months of this year have already overtaken the figure for the whole of last year. A total of 18.2 kilograms of methamphetamine, with an estimated street value of $18 million, have been seized, compared with 17.9 kilograms for the entire 2009 year. This figure does not include the 5 kilograms seized last week.