Worker chances upon nearly $30m of cocaine at Auckland business
From News@63:10/102 to All on Thu Apr 24 13:29:43 2025
By 1News Reporters
27 mins ago
Nearly $30 million worth of cocaine was seized at a business in Auckland's Mount Wellington after a worker discovered the illicit haul while unloading a shipping container.
Police were called to the Carbine Rd premises after the worker found five duffle bags containing cocaine in the container.
Detective Senior Sergeant Anthony Darvill said more than 75 packages of
cocaine were wrapped in cellophane in the duffle bags.
"Cocaine is a highly addictive drug and causes a concerning level of harm in our communities," Darvill said.
"This is a significant find and will put a noticeable dent in the
availability of this illegal drug in the district and the harm caused by it."
Police tracking movements of the container
A joint investigation between police and Customs which would focus on the movements of the container and its eventual destination was launched
following the seizure.
"What we do know is that the container transited through Central America in late March 2025 on its way to New Zealand," Darvill said.
Customs acting investigations manager Rachael Manning said the organisation
was working with police to prevent drugs reaching the community.
"We will continue to provide intelligence and investigative support to our Police partners to identify and hold those responsible to account."
No arrests have been made and police were unable to release further details while the investigation was ongoing.