Multimillion-dollar meth busts at Auckland airport in first two days of 2025
Meth had been soaked into clothing to conceal it.
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Latest fromDrug trafficking
The drug-dealing Mongrel Mob boss who had $68k cash in a Louis Vuitton handbag
The gang leader was seen in a pub carpark buying 1kg of meth for $140,000.
How a church-going businessman was caught smuggling 30kg of drugs for King Cobras
Ronnie Kivalu's double life was exposed when he was caught red-handed with the meth.
A year in review: What moved the Waikato in August 2024?
As the year draws to a close, Waikato Herald is taking stock of 2024.
'Confused and unsophisticated': How a comedy of errors dashed a $2.5m liquid meth plot
The plan to retrieve the drug, hidden inside shock absorbers, needed some work.
Ferrari-driving 'Pink Porsche' ecstasy kingpin sentenced alongside wife
The couple were respected Auckland entrepreneurs, but the drug trade fuelled their wealth.
Gang members arrested after alleged 200kg meth heist at Port of Tauranga
Two men allegedly broke into shipping container and pulled out five suitcases of drugs.
Police bust two Auckland drug rehab facilities; seize AK-47, cash, 2kg meth
One of those arrested was a patched gang member.
US sanctions freeze assets of international drug dealer linked to NZ
Rokas Karpavicius was extradited, convicted, then deported back to Lithuania in 2016.
Fleeing vehicle leads cops to South Auckland weapons, drug haul
Four people were arrested as a result of the pursuit.
Meth worth millions found in abandoned bags near Auckland Airport baggage carousels
The estimated 28.5kg was found in duffle bags near the baggage carousels.
Last five members of Australian ‘Bali Nine’ drug ring return home
The five surviving members of the drug ring have returned to Australia.
Bodybuilding industry buff jailed for 'lucrative' steroids, cocaine enterprise
Harvey deposited almost $250k into a UK account then packages of cocaine were intercepted.
'An engaged parent': Why drug-dealing artist's prison sentence was overturned for home detention
Dali Susanto's ex wanted him to have a “full and active role” in his children’s lives.
'Action is needed urgently': NZ cocaine use hits record high, meth consumption doubles
The report showed cocaine consumption was at an all-time high.
Meth for Christmas: Canadian arrested for allegedly smuggling drug concealed as gift in carry-on
Customs arrested the 29-year-old at Auckland International Airport on Sunday.
After 10 years in Bali jail, new hope Kiwi man could be brought home
Antony de Malmanche has lost all his teeth, suffers depression and is down to 50kg.
Lured through a dating app: How man with spotless record became drug ring henchman
Loneliness made him vulnerable to exploitation, his lawyer said.
Executions and rehab: Saudi Arabia dials up its ‘war on drugs’
Financial Times: Narcotics use blamed on social change, rise of drugs such as Captagon.
Police seize Hastings homes, cars and $68k in Louis Vuitton handbag linked to meth ring
Police say encrypted messages found indicated the distribution of meth worth $1.54m.
Hells Angel admits drug scheme, but was he 'Mr Big'?
Police never found the 451kg of high-quality meth. They solved the case without it.
'Heading to Australia and NZ': Narco sub busted in Pacific with tonnes of cocaine
It is the third 'narco sub' identified on the route.
Region's cocaine use linked to ideal smuggling conditions
NZ Drug Foundation warns of increased cocaine harm.
Mexico hits back as Trump’s tariff threat shakes markets
Financial Times: President hints at retaliation, says Mexico is tackling migrants, drugs.
From art galleries to prison: Artist’s fall from grace after drugs conviction
Susanto took police to where magic mushrooms grew wild.
Meth dealer loses $37,000 in 'tainted' cash after suspicious Airbnb owners called cops on him
Now police have now gained a High Court order to confiscate nearly $37,000.
Police call off search for small boat linked to transnational crime group
Police didn't say why the search was abandoned a day after announcing the hunt for a vessel.
Missing at sea: Mystery surrounds small boat linked to drug importation ring
The international investigation has seen 10 arrested but a small craft is now missing.
'Strange and sophisticated': All the new ways drugs are being smuggled into NZ
Customs say concealment methods by drug traffickers are increasing in sophistication.
Warnings 'highly dangerous' chemical being sold as MDMA in Wellington
Traces of mercury chloride have been detected in white powder sold as MDMA in the region.
King Cobra jailed 18 years, despite brain tumour, for airport meth scheme
Nigel Iuvale lured Auckland Airport baggage handlers into the criminal underworld.
'Not once been caught': Gang associate who bragged about drug importation success is jailed
The former Head Hunters prospect found himself at the centre of a gang beef.
'Only chance of survival': Deportee wants $32k seized by police back for cancer treatment
NZ police seized Collin Ezeala's money in 2010 before he was jailed for importing drugs.
Young cannabis seller turns over $500,000 in sales in nine weeks
The 23-year-old appealed his sentence saying jail would hinder his ability to be a dad.