Eight people have been arrested after a joint police and Customs operation allegedly disrupted plans to import hundreds of kilograms of cocaine into the country via a Mexican "cartel".
Those arrested in the police raids include two patched Filthy Few gang members, police say.
Officers carried out a number of search warrants this morning at 11 properties throughout the Auckland, Bay of Plenty and Northland regions.
The operation, run by the National Organised Crime Group (NOCG), has targeted key players of a drug syndicate operating in New Zealand with links to a Mexican cartel.
It's alleged those involved conspired to import a large quantity of cocaine and methamphetamine into New Zealand via shipping containers.