Canterbury Police, New Zealand Customs and Police’s National Organised Crime Group (NOCG) have made a significant dent in the supply of drugs into Christchurch, with the seizure of more than 25kg of cocaine.

On 29 March, Police and Customs received information about a significant importation of cocaine that had come through Lyttelton Port.

More than 25kg of the Class A Controlled Drug was seized, with a street value in excess of NZ$9 million.

Search warrants have since been executed across New Zealand, utilising specialist teams to support investigators with evidence gathering.

The investigation has been ongoing over the past six weeks and has led to the arrest of four men, aged 30-36, from Christchurch, Wellington, Tauranga and Auckland.

They will face multiple charges, including possession of cocaine for supply and burglary, and will appear in various district courts across a range of dates.

Detective Senior Sergeant Phil Sparks says this seizure equates to more than 250,000 doses of cocaine and $9 million of harm prevention.

“That is an enormous amount of damage and misery that had been heading into our communities that has now been halted through this investigation.

“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.

“Part of the investigation’s success was also due to the target hardening of Customs Controlled Areas in Christchurch and the excellent partnership between Customs and Police.

“We continue to have a focus on engaging with businesses and supporting their legitimate services by keeping them safe with prevention advice to deter drug trafficking organisations’ attempts to exploit their people and premises.”

Customs Acting Investigations Manager Rachael Manning says this investigation was the result of quick action and close collaboration between Police and Customs as well as industry partners who are committed to working alongside law enforcement to help stop organised criminal groups from operating in our regions and ports.

“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. 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 falling victim to these criminals’ methods. Everyone has a role they can play in protecting our country and communities from harm. Customs urges our industry stakeholders and public to remain vigilant at all times. You can raise any suspicions about possible smuggling behaviour by calling 0800 WE PROTECT (0800 937 768) in confidence, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111,” Ms Manning says.

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