A multi-million dollar illegal operation has been shut down by a joint investigation targeting logistics sector insiders allegedly working with the Killer Beez gang to import drugs into the country.
A shipment containing a quarter of a tonne of drugs was seized before it reached New Zealand's shores.
Customs manager of investigations Cam Moore said 260 kilograms of methamphetamine were stopped from entering New Zealand from the United States.
"That substantial amount of methamphetamine could be expected to produce around 13 million individual common doses which, if sold on the street, could be worth approximately $91 million," he said.
"We're very pleased to have disrupted that level of illegal drug activity and the profits which the criminals involved were hoping to make through the harm they could have caused in communities across Aotearoa New Zealand."
Subsequently, seven people, including members of the Killer Beez gang, were arrested after police executed a series of search warrants across Auckland on Tuesday. They include five men aged 29, 31, 35, 44, and 55, and two women aged 31 and 32.
All will face a raft of drug importation charges as well as charges of participating in an organised criminal group. They are expected to have their first appearances at different times on Wednesday and Thursday in the Auckland District Court.
Under Operation Papyrus, New Zealand Police and New Zealand Customs have been investigating the importation of methamphetamine and cocaine over the past year.
Detective Inspector Tom Gollan, of the National Organised Crime Group, said the most recent shipment was identified and seized in the United States back in February.
"Operation Papyrus found 'insiders' within the transport and logistics industry were allegedly working with members of the Killer Beez gang to facilitate the drug imports," Det Insp Gollan said.
"Our investigation is continuing into this aspect and further arrests and charges cannot be ruled out."
He said the investigation highlights the value that the ongoing partnerships between New Zealand authorities, overseas law enforcement and industry partners continue to yield.
"Insider threats embedded within industries that work across New Zealand's borders remain a key concern for authorities," Det Insp Gollan said.
"For that reason, Police and our partners continue to work hard to identify and hold those to account who are enabling criminal groups to carry out their illicit operations."
