Customs seize 150 kgs of cocaine in Tauranga

Customs officers based at the Port of Tauranga have seized an estimated 150 kilograms of cocaine, worth up to NZ$58.2 million from a shipping container destined for New Zealand.

The container, which arrived from Kingston, Jamaica, was risk-assessed by Customs officers as part of standard procedures for all incoming cargo, people, and vessels. This led to the discovery of six duffel bags packed with bricks of cocaine.

The bricks were marked with an ‘X’, the words ‘good luck’, and a coat of arms bearing the Latin phrase Custodi Civatatem Domine — meaning ‘Guard the city, O Lord’.

In the last financial year, Customs officers in Tauranga have intercepted 788 kilograms of cocaine, including this latest intercept, worth a combined estimated street value of NZ$305.744 million.

Customs Maritime Manager Rert Smith says this seizure highlights Customs’ layered, intelligence-led approach to protecting New Zealand’s maritime border.

Customs Maritime Manager Robert Smith says this seizure highlights Customs’ layered, intelligence-led approach to protecting New Zealand’s maritime border.

“New Zealand is constantly targeted by transnational criminal groups who have no regard for the wellbeing of our families, our whānau, or our communities. Their actions are driven by profit, with no concern for the damage they cause to legitimate businesses or to New Zealand’s hard-earned reputation on the world stage.

“There have been several large seizures at maritime ports this year, and much of this work would not be possible without the support of our strong domestic partnerships and international networks.

“These relationships enable us to protect the international supply chain and our communities from organised crime groups who are highly motivated to cause harm,” Smith said.

Customs urges industry stakeholders and the public to remain vigilant. Suspicions about drug smuggling can be reported confidentially to 0800 WE PROTECT (0800 937 768) or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.