Customs has seized 110 kilograms of methamphetamine and two handguns at the border in a major drug bust.
Two men will appear in the Auckland District Court on Monday afternoon on serious drug charges.
In January, Customs officers inspected a shipping container of three six-seater golf carts sent from the US.
A close examination discovered "large, ice-like methamphetamine crystals" and handguns had been hidden in the batteries.
This weekend, Customs and Police carried out raids at residential addresses in west and south Auckland and made two arrests.
A 39-year-old Taiwanese national and a 27-year-old Chinese national have been charged with the importation and possession of a class-A controlled drug.
"The presence of loaded firearms concealed with the drugs is a very real concern and shows the lengths organised crime groups are prepared to go to. It also represents a changing risk profile to both our officers and the community at large," says Customs investigations manager Bruce Berry.
"Customs is committed to targeting and stopping smuggling attempts like this one, and the criminal syndicates responsible for trying to bring illicit drugs into our country with no concern for the devastating harm it causes."
Based on the NZ Drug Harm Index, this seizure has prevented up to an estimated $136.3 million of social harm to New Zealand communities.
"These illegal drugs are destructive and have no place in our communities. We know they cause negative health implications, and financial and social harm to users and their families," says Det Inspt Paul Newman, from the National Organised Crime Group.
"We are focused on and dedicated to disrupting the production, smuggling and distribution of methamphetamine, and we think this is a great result."
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