Customs seizes 21 kilograms of cocaine in Tauranga

Customs officers have seized an estimated 21 kilograms of cocaine, worth an estimated street value of up to NZ$7.3 million, from a shipping container at the Port of Tauranga. 

The container, which arrived from Balboa, Panama on Friday 2 October 2025 was risk-assessed as part of standard procedures for all incoming cargo and vessels.  

During x-ray screening, anomalies were identified in the imagery, which led to a physical inspection of the container. Inside the container, amongst legitimate goods, Customs officers located a shrink-wrapped duffel bag inside with 21 bricks of cocaine branded with ‘VESPA’ and a ‘mouse logo’ and wrapped in fragile tape. 

Customs Group Manager Maritime, Paul Campbell, says the recent seizure underscores Customs’ intelligence-led, multi-layered strategy to safeguarding New Zealand’s borders. 

“Transnational, serious, and organised crime groups continue to exploit legitimate trade routes, causing delays and disruptions across the supply chain. Customs is acutely aware of the impact this has on businesses.  

“Our role is twofold: to facilitate legitimate trade while actively dismantling criminal networks. Every interception strengthens our intelligence capabilities. We have a strong grasp of how these groups operate and where they plan to strike, reflected in our growing seizure statistics. 

“In 2025 alone, Customs has intercepted over 430 kilograms of cocaine in Tauranga, nearly double the amount seized at the port in 2024. 

“Customs is powered by a team of dedicated, highly skilled officers who are committed to stopping organised crime groups determined to harm our communities,” says Mr Campbell.  

Customs urges industry stakeholders and the public to remain vigilant. Suspicions about drug smuggling can be reported confidentially to 0800 WE PROTECT (0800 937 768) or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.