A substantial quantity of cocaine, valued at almost $16 million, was uncovered in a banana shipment at the Port of Tauranga. Customs officers detected 35kg of cocaine concealed in the engine compartment of a refrigerated shipping container loaded with bananas. The vessel, arriving from Panama on November 9, held an estimated street value of $15.7 million, capable of producing 350,000 doses and causing $10.5 million in social harm.
This interception follows a similar incident just two weeks earlier when 140kg of cocaine was seized from a container at the Ports of Auckland. In that case, four individuals were apprehended, and investigations revealed a sophisticated organized crime smuggling operation.
Paul Campbell, Customs group manager maritime, commended the efforts of frontline officers and support teams, emphasizing the importance of thwarting transnational organized crime groups attempting to exploit communities and profit from the harm caused by drug trafficking. Campbell also highlighted the disruption caused by smuggling to port operations, impacting the country's economy. While Customs assesses risks for all incoming shipments and vessels, the physical search process is time-consuming. The recent seizures underscore the ongoing challenges in preventing illegal drug shipments, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance in monitoring port activities.