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.
Police said there were around 75kg of cocaine with an estimated street value of close to $30 million.
“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.
