Four men have been arrested following a major police and Customs operation targeting an alleged drug smuggling and distribution network operating in Canterbury and across New Zealand.

The investigation uncovered substantial quantities of illegal drugs, more than $500,000 in cash, a firearm and equipment used to manufacture ecstasy tablets.

The arrests followed a joint investigation by the Canterbury District Organised Crime Group and Customs, which intercepted multiple drug shipments at the New Zealand border before carrying out search warrants across Canterbury.

Among the seizures were 10 kilograms of cocaine, 24.5 kilograms of MDMA, 10.6 kilograms of ketamine and 70 kilograms of pseudoephedrine.

Investigators also recovered 6800 ecstasy tablets, 4600 LSD tabs, three kilograms of cannabis and 550 grams of methamphetamine.

A 3D-printed firearm and pill pressing equipment were also seized.

Detective Senior Sergeant Tania Jellyman said the investigation demonstrated the effectiveness of police and Customs working together to tackle organised crime.

“The quantities of drugs seized during this investigation represent a significant amount of harm that has been prevented from reaching our communities.

“Organised criminal groups are motivated by profit and have little regard for the damage these substances cause to individuals, families and communities.”

Four men, aged between 27 and 35, were arrested this week and have been remanded in custody.

They are due to appear in the Christchurch District Court facing charges relating to the importation, possession for supply and supply of controlled drugs.

Customs Acting Investigations Manager Nigel Barnes said the multiple interceptions demonstrated how determined criminal organisations were to get illegal substances into New Zealand.

“The range of drugs intercepted demonstrates the persistence and increasingly brazen nature of this activity.”

Barnes said Customs was working across the border system to identify suspicious shipments, connect related importations and develop intelligence about changing smuggling methods.

Police said the operation had disrupted an organised drug supply chain operating in Canterbury, with the investigation also targeting distribution networks elsewhere in the country.