More than 25 kilograms of cocaine worth over $9 million has been intercepted at Lyttelton Port, in what police say is a major blow to organised crime networks targeting Christchurch and the wider country.
The drugs, which equate to more than 250,000 doses, were seized following a joint operation between Canterbury Police, New Zealand Customs, and the National Organised Crime Group.
Authorities received information on 29 March about a significant cocaine importation that had passed through Lyttelton Port. Search warrants were later carried out across the country, with specialist teams deployed to gather evidence.
Four men, aged between 30 and 36, from Christchurch, Wellington, Tauranga, and Auckland, have been arrested. They face multiple charges including possession of cocaine for supply and burglary, and are due to appear in courts across the country.
Detective Senior Sergeant Phil Sparks said the seizure represented a significant success in halting drugs destined for New Zealand communities.
“That is an enormous amount of damage and misery that had been heading into our communities that has now been halted through this investigation,” he said.
“Police and Customs continue to be committed to targeting those offenders causing the most harm, and are always looking for opportunities to disrupt the supply chain from organised criminal groups targeting New Zealanders.”
He said the partnership between Police and Customs, and the security strengthening of Customs Controlled Areas in Christchurch, played a key role in the investigation’s success.
Customs Acting Investigations Manager Rachael Manning said the bust followed quick action and close collaboration between agencies and industry partners.
“We know that transnational and serious organised crime groups are actively targeting New Zealand to drive up both demand and supply of illegal drugs such as cocaine for maximum profit,” she said.
“They’re using every method possible to exploit any vulnerabilities within international supply chains, whether that’s at seaports, in secure areas or on vessels themselves.
“This result highlights that we are determined to find them, and we will not let legitimate businesses fall victim to these criminals’ methods.”
Customs urged the public and industry partners to remain vigilant and report suspicious behaviour by calling 0800 WE PROTECT or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
