Cocaine worth a street value of $12.25 million has been seized by Customs from a shipping container at Port Chalmers in Dunedin.
Officers discovered 35kg of the drug on a container that had originated from South America.
It was flagged by Customs intelligence for inspection before it arrived at Port Chalmers on October 26.
When inspected, offices found the drugs hidden inside the empty container’s refrigeration unit. Customs, with the assistance of police, removed 35 bricks of cocaine branded with the Lacoste logo.
Customs maritime manager Robert Smith said the seizure was a strong reminder that Customs puts pressure across the entire maritime border, rather than at the country’s largest seaports.
“While Auckland and Tauranga are often perceived as primary entry points for illicit goods, we know that transnational, serious and organised crime will attempt to exploit every port,” Smith said.
Smith said Customs conducts risk assessments for all goods and vessels at a national level.
He noted this was the first major cocaine intercept of its kind for our Dunedin team, and he was "immensely proud" of their work.
"This sends a clear message to criminals that Customs is vigilant, backed by intelligence, with strong domestic and international partnerships, to make our border harder to breach."
Smith added through collective efforts with port companies, stakeholders and communities, Customs aimed to protect New Zealand from harm while ensuring only legitimate trade flowed through the borders.
Suspicions of drug smuggling could be confidentially reported to 0800 937 768, or anonymously via Crime Stoppers.
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