Police and customs have arrested seven foreigners for the attempted import of 100-120kg of methamphetamine.
The investigation began in August when Custom's intelligence flagged a 1.4 tonne sea freight consignment from China declared as "outdoor leisure products".
Examination revealed a mixture of methamphetamine and the construction material gypsum hidden in 16 concrete outdoor umbrella stands.
The purity of the drug is yet to be confirmed, but it is believed that 100-120 kilograms of methamphetamine with a street value of $100-$120 million has been confiscated.
A joint investigation lead to several search warrants being carried out in Auckland this week, and more evidence to contribute to the arrests was found.
One woman and six men aged between 36-65 years face charges for the importation and possession for supply of a Class A controlled drug, which carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
In a statement Customs Manager Bruce Berry says that the find is a great success and has contributed to a greater understanding of a new way to disguise methamphetamine.
"The syndicate was operating in a very 'compartmentalised' way - using different groups of people to receive the methamphetamine, extract it, and then have it ready for pickup in an effort to defeat any law enforcement response."
"Transnational criminal syndicates are finding more sophisticated ways to operate and disguise drugs, but customs and our partners police are alert to this, continually developing new techniques and technologies to target and stop them," says Mr Berry.
Newshub.
