Two seizures of cocaine worth $11.5 million were found in refrigerated containers on board a vessel at Port of Tauranga. Photo / CustomsBetween January 1, 2022 and December 11, cocaine seizures at the Port of Tauranga totalled just over 1698 kg, with an estimated street value of $655.6 million. Photo / Corey FlemingAdams said drug cartels in Mexico and Central and South America were predominantly responsible for cocaine and meth imported into New Zealand. Photo / Laura SmithHe said what came through the Tauranga port required a “different level of connection and sophistication” than drugs sent through the mail or hidden in passengers’ bags at airports. “Every time we open a new investigation and identify certain people, that information is shared with our offshore partners.

Source: New Zealand Herald January 05, 2026 18:36 UTC