Customs has seized an estimated 100 kilograms of cocaine, worth up to NZ$35 million, from a shipping container at the Port of Tauranga.
The refrigerated container, which was carrying legitimate goods, was loaded in Chile and transited through Peru, Colombia and Panama before arriving in Tauranga on Monday.
Customs had risk-assessed the vessel and container as part of standard procedures for all incoming cargo, people and vessels before it arrived in New Zealand. An x-ray scan of the container showed inconsistencies in stacked boxes near the container door, indicating a common rip-on/rip off method used by criminals.
On detailed examination, Customs officers located 10 boxes, each containing 10 ‘PRADA’-branded bricks. A total of 100 bricks of cocaine were found, which testing confirmed was cocaine.
Customs Maritime Manager, Robert Smith says the seizure reflects Customs’ ongoing and increasing efforts to make New Zealand a harder and higher-risk environment for transnational, serious and organised crime to operate in.
“Transnational serious organised crime groups are continuously testing border security and supply chains globally, looking for vulnerabilities they can exploit,” he said.
“This seizure highlights our ability to detect those efforts and intervene before harm reaches our communities.
“Every week, Customs officers screen hundreds of containers carrying legitimate goods through our seaports. It is their experience, vigilance, and use of advanced technology and intelligence that enables us to pinpoint the small number that pose a risk, and act decisively.
“Through sustained operational activity, sharper risk assessment, and continued investment in targeting and detection technology, Customs is raising the cost, complexity, and risk for criminal groups seeking to operate here.
“These criminal groups have no regard for the harm they cause to legitimate businesses or the wider supply chain. Customs will continue to work closely with industry and importers to minimise disruption to legitimate trade, while ensuring pressure is consistently applied to those exploiting it.”
If you suspect or know of possible drug smuggling, you can report it by calling 0800 WE PROTECT (0800 937 768) in confidence or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
