Cocaine trail leads to importing syndicate

File photo / NZ Herald

A cocaine importing syndicate has been targeted in an operation led by the Organised Financial Crime Agency of New Zealand (OFCANZ).

Auckland Customs staff seized a 3.7 kilogramme haul of cocaine at the border last week and five people were arrested. The cocaine was worth more than $1 million.

Four of the accused were charged with importing a Class A controlled drug and possession of a Class A controlled drug. They include a 43-year-old man from Mexico, a 26-year-old Auckland woman, a 30-year-old Auckland man and a 34-year-old Wellington man.

A 36-year-old Wanaka man was charged in Christchurch this morning (Monday) with importing a Class A controlled drug.

The operation involved at least 20 detectives and Customs Investigators in Auckland and a number of staff in other cities.

Customs Manager Drug Investigations, Mark Day said the cocaine border seizure was a significant success for Customs and the wider community.

"One of Customs core functions is to protect New Zealand's border, and in this seizure we have stopped this harmful, illicit drug from being sold into our communities," he said.

Earlier this year, a 37-year-old Columbian woman died in Auckland Hospital after an internally concealed package of cocaine burst inside her.

A post mortem examination found she had been carrying more than 20 packages of cocaine worth an estimated $120,000 to $190,000.

"It's a risky business importing cocaine, either in your body or in your luggage. Either way you are going to get caught," said Detective Inspector Bruce Good.