A massive drug bust has seen 140 kilograms of cocaine seized at the Ports of Auckland yesterday.
Police and Customs carried out a joint operation that saw four men arrested and disruption to an estimated $63 million drug importation scheme.
"The investigation identified the concerning trend of organised crime groups to aggressively target and attempt to 'rip' or take possession of the imported drugs while they are transiting through port or other associated facilities," police said in a statement this afternoon.
"The haul was found concealed within a cavity of a container, which is understood to have originated in Ecuador and travelled through Panama to its final destination of New Zealand."
Detective Inspector Tom Gollan detailed the arrests made by police in connection with the drug smuggling operation.
"Three of the men were deported back to New Zealand in July and August 2023, and a fourth man is an Australian National who recently entered New Zealand as a visitor."
A drone and angle grinders were also seized during search warrants.
"What was particularly chilling is the discovery of a pistol with a silencer attached, and ammunition, which was found in possession of one of these men.
"These organised crime groups try all sorts of concealment methods to attempt to beat law enforcement authorities.
"This investigation highlights the extreme lengths this organised criminal enterprise went to to try and avoid detection," Gollan said.
All four men have appeared in the Auckland District Court facing charges relating to the importation of cocaine, firearm offences, and participating in an organised crime group.
Police believe the haul of 140kg of cocaine was destined for the New Zealand market and had a street value of $63 million.
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