The Defence Force says one of its aircraft has observed a possible at-sea transfer of illicit goods, in breach of sanctions against North Korea.
The possible ship-to-ship transfer was recorded by a Royal New Zealand Air Force P-8A Poseidon in the Yellow Sea and the East China Sea, an area where evasions of United Nations sanctions by North Korea occurred.
On Tuesday, Air Component Commander, Air Commodore Andy Scott, also said the patrols reported 35 vessels of interest and broadcast eight deterrence messages.
“The evidence captured of activities that were occurring in the East China and Yellow seas allows authorities to take action against ships that may still be operating in contravention of this resolution.
“The upholding of international law is critically important for regional security, and we are proud of our ability to contribute to this important work.”
North Korea is under numerous sanctions imposed by the UN, aiming to discourage the development of its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes.
These sanctions included arms embargoes, asset freezes, and export bans on goods and fuels.
New Zealand is part of the Pacific Security Maritime Exchange, a group of nations working to detect North Korea's sanction evasions.
The Defence Force has been part of international efforts to detect evasions by North Korea since 2018.
Maritime patrols, such as those carried out by the Defence Force, reported ships suspected of trafficking refined petrol into North Korea and exporting commodities such as coal, iron ore and sand.
Sanctions evasions are reported to the UN, and "diplomatic channels are also used to raise concerns with the flag states of vessels".
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