A French tourist has been caught in Paihia with 24kg of cocaine - worth up to $10.8 million.
Customs officers found the drug on the French national, 26, who was in the area as a passenger on a cruise ship.
The cocaine seizure is one of the largest in this country's history and the drug had a street value of $6.8m and $10.8m.
The tourist was charged with possession for supply of a class A drug, and faces a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
Customs investigations manager Bruce Berry said the seizure was the result of liasing with police and Australian authorities.
![The 24kg of seized cocaine. Photo/Tania White](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/2Z4B2VTNEHUDBSD5F55R7YNTIA.jpg?auth=ea07a6e047563c0bbc391dc1a1a1c3afd5edd70a19353ed773ce2cd77496de1d&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)