This is Customs' largest methamphetamine seizure at the border.
Two Canadians and a New Zealand national are appearing in the Auckland District Court today. Further arrests are likely, police said.
They face charges for the importation and possession of a class A controlled drug, which carry a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
In mid- 2019, Customs began an investigation into an overseas criminal syndicate, and enquiries linked individuals to a New Zealand-based company. In mid August, a shipment from Thailand was assessed as high-risk and searched by Customs officers when it arrived at the Ports of Auckland.
The shipping container held 60 electric motors, and each motor hid an average of about 8kg of methamphetamine. The drugs have an estimated street value of around NZ$235 million.
Last night and this morning around 65 Customs and police staff executed a series of search warrants across Auckland, finding another 15kg of methamphetamine, a hand gun, and a large quantity of cash.
Customs Investigations Manager Bruce Berry said the seizure was the result of solid intelligence and investigative work maximising Customs' expertise on border movements.
"It's a known international trend for overseas nationals to come into the country just to receive and distribute drug shipments. They use storage units or commercial premises and hire homes on Airbnb as part of their illegal activity."
