Customs officers spent Boxing Day unpacking an estimated 18kg of methamphetamine and cocaine from a shipping container at the Port of Tauranga.
The shipping container, which originated in South America and transited via Panama, arrived in the city on December 26.
During inspections, officers found irregularities within the container, Customs NZ said.
Further examination led to the seizure of an estimated 10kg of methamphetamine, packaged in 1kg bundles, and a further seven bricks of cocaine weighing an estimated 8kg.
Customs NZ said the Class A drugs had a retail street value of up to $3 million and $3.5 million respectively.
"This seizure highlights Customs’ commitment to continue to apply pressure on criminal networks who increasingly exploit legitimate trade routes that can affect legitimate New Zealand traders, with many legitimate companies seeing first-hand the impact this type of activity can have on their businesses," Customs Maritime manager Robert Smith said.
Customs urged industry workers to remain vigilant and help play a part in stopping organised crime.
Suspicions about potential drug smuggling can be reported confidentially to 0800 WE PROTECT (0800 937 768) or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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