'Doggedness:' the key to record drug busts: Inside Customs operations
It's not every day that Customs finds 725kg of concealed cocaine... but it does happen.
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Latest fromDrug trafficking
‘Don’t check your pockets’: Guard who smuggled drugs into prison blamed actions on menacing note
The prison guard said he feared for his safety if he didn't comply.
Inside the fight against smuggling at New Zealand's largest port
How New Zealand Customs uses intelligence and technology to battle rising drug smuggling at the Port of Tauranga. Video / Mike Scott
Police seize $413k from baggage handler in meth import case
The syndicate's 'logistics organiser' stored large amounts of cash at his sister's house.
Bailed Mongrel Mob boss still on run before meth-dealing sentencing
Mathew Karetu was busted when police found $68,100 and a gun in a Louis Vuitton handbag.
Bailed Mob boss on run before meth-dealing sentencing
Police have issued a warrant for the arrest of Mathew Karetu.
Cops seize $60m of ‘tainted’ property allegedly linked to criminals
A look at some of the properties targeted by police - and why they made the move.
Multimillion-dollar meth busts at Auckland airport in first two days of 2025
Meth had been soaked into clothing to conceal it.
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.