The alleged ringleaders of the Auckland cell of an international drug syndicate can now be named.
Yashar Ghasemi, 31, was arrested in a dawn raid yesterday after nearly $2.4 million of methamphetamine was seized in a two-month covert investigation.
Two late-model cars – a Range Rover and a BMW – $16,000 cash and a stun gun were also confiscated.
Ghasemi faces methamphetamine charges, including conspiracy to import and supply the class-A drug, as well as participation in an organised criminal group.
He will appear in the Auckland District Court today with co-accused Homayun Nouri, 42, also facing a raft of charges including possession of methamphetamine for supply. Both are in custody but will apply for bail today.
The Iranians were the principal targets in Operation Crow, a two-month drug squad and customs inquiry, which also arrested Aucklander David Mafi.
