WELLINGTON: A haul of methamphetamine worth around $80 million has been discovered hidden inside car parts, in a shipping container bound for Fiji.
New Zealand Customs investigations manager Maurice O’Brien said a joint operation between New Zealand, Fijian and Australian police and the Fiji Revenue and Customs Authority led to the find at the Ports of Auckland in July.
About 80kg of meth had been sent from South America and was en route to Fiji from New Zealand when it was found.
A Fijian national has since been arrested in relation to the find.
O’Brien said it was a “great example” of international law enforcement agencies working together.
“It is very satisfying to play a part in this operation and stop this large amount of methamphetamine making it onto the streets,” he said.
“Sophisticated criminal syndicates set up drug supply chains across countries and take big risks for big profits. We’re pleased this significant seizure will hit them hard in the pocket.”
