Boxing Day bust – Customs seizes 18 kilograms of cocaine and methamphetamine in Tauranga

Opening boxes at Christmas took on a different meaning for Customs officers at the Port of Tauranga, who seized an estimated 18 kilograms of Class A drugs – both methamphetamine and cocaine – within the same shipping container on Boxing Day. 

The shipping container, which originated in South America and transited via Panama before arriving in Tauranga on 26 December 2025, had been risk-assessed and flagged as part of Customs’ layered approach to pre-arrival and on-arrival screening for all incoming sea cargo.

During inspections, frontline officers found irregularities within the container. Further inspection led to the seizure led to the seizure of an estimated 10 kilograms of methamphetamine, packaged in one-kilogram bundles, and a further seven bricks of cocaine weighing an estimated 8 kilograms.

This amount of methamphetamine and cocaine would have equated to a retail street value of up to NZ$3 million and NZ$3.5 million respectively, which will now not feed the pockets of criminals.

Customs Maritime Manager Robert Smith said that while many Kiwis spent Boxing Day with family, Customs officers in Tauranga were focused on intercepting high-risk containers and ensuring trade continued smoothly.

“This seizure highlights Customs’ commitment to continue to apply pressure on criminal networks who increasingly exploit legitimate trade routes that can affect legitimate New Zealand traders, with many legitimate companies seeing firsthand the impact this type of activity can have on their businesses.

“I’m proud of our officers’ work protecting New Zealand’s borders every day. Their vigilance stopped this shipment before it could cause serious harm in our communities,” Mr Smith said.

Customs urges industry workers to remain vigilant and help play a part in stopping organised crime. Suspicions about potential drug smuggling can be reported confidentially to 0800 WE PROTECT (0800 937 768) or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.