Two men from Fiji have been arrested after attempting to smuggle 34kg of meth into New Zealand.
Customs officials searched the men's boat after they arrived in Tauranga on Monday and found the drugs hidden in bags in various places around the vessel.
The value of the seized drugs is $17 million, Customs said.
Around FJ$16,000 (NZ$11,400) was also found on board and seized.
"This vessel was identified as posing a potential risk before it arrived in New Zealand, and the seizure is the result of some very good work by Customs frontline officers in Tauranga," said Bruce Berry, Customs investigation manager.
"Customs conducts targeting and risk assessment for all seaports and vessels, and we maintain a presence at the regional ports to defeat and deter smuggling activities."
The men, both in their 30s, were charged with importation and possession of a class-A controlled drug, which carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
They appeared in Tauranga District Court on Wednesday afternoon.
