Five people have been arrested after several search warrants in Auckland led to a discovery of money and weapons.
Over 1.36 million illicit cigarettes, two firearms, and a substantial amount of cash have been seized, as part of Customs investigation Operation Montreal.
Search warrants were carried out by police in Auckland's North Shore on Monday, where a 35-year-old man was arrested.
"Illicit cigarettes and another large quantity of cash were found during today's warrant," a statement from Customs read.
The man is scheduled to appear in the Auckland District Court on Monday afternoon.
The discovery follows a series of search warrants executed by Customs and police on Friday, May 10.
These took place at three residential properties, a private catamaran, a storage facility on the North Shore and a commercial business in Greenlane.
Three men and a woman, aged between 35 and 45, were arrested on Friday and appeared in the North Shore District Court that day.
"A substantial amount of cash, two firearms, ammunition, and further evidence was found at one of the residential properties."
Customs discovered 286 black rubbish sacks, containing over 1,300,000 uncustomed cigarettes, in the self-storage facility.
"This represents approximately $2 million in revenue evasion."
"The five defendants face multiple charges including: defrauding Customs revenue, possession or custody of uncustomed goods, sale of uncustomed goods, and participation in an organised crime group."
Further charges are also being considered.
"Operation Montreal began in February 2024 in relation to a network of individuals believed to be responsible for the large-scale distribution of uncustomed cigarettes across Auckland," Customs investigations manager Dominic Adams said in a statement.
"Customs has a specialist investigations team that's focused on tracking down smuggled tobacco to both combat tax evasion as well as other associated crimes.
"This issue is bigger than smuggling or selling cheap cigarettes. Customs is increasingly seeing that well-resourced organised criminal groups are often involved, with cigarette profits potentially being used to fund more serious crimes."
Anyone who suspects someone may be involved in illegal smuggling is urged to call Customs on 0800 WE PROTECT (0800 937 768) or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
