Customs at Auckland Airport believe they have made the largest cocaine bust in NZ history after uncovering 101kg worth of the substance in smugglers bags.
The estimated value of the substance is said to be $35.4 million would have caused almost $38 million in social harm.
Officers were doing a routine bag check after the arrival of a Hawaiian airlines flight last Saturday night.
They found 85 bricks of the substance wrapped in clear film and after further testing there was a positive result of the class A drug.
Group manager for border operations Dana McDonald applauded the officers effort.
“Customs officers are highly trained and cognisant of how transnational organised criminal groups operate. We work hard to stop the supply of illegal drugs, with an aim to hit criminal profits, reduce the ability to cultivate user demand, and disrupt their goal to exploit New Zealand communities,”
“While this seizure is a fantastic result that has stopped a significant amount of drugs from reaching and harming our communities, what is of Customs concern is that seizures at Auckland Airport have increased steadily in recent years. We have adapted accordingly to this threat. He added.
So far, within the first two months of 2025, Auckland Airport has already seized 183kgs worth of illicit substances.
Photo Credit: NZ herald
