A joint investigation has unpacked a criminal syndicate's operation, which allegedly facilitated the smuggling of class A drugs through Auckland Airport.

Police and Customs terminated nearly two dozen search warrants on Wednesday across the Auckland region as part of Operation Matata.

Eighteen arrests have been made, including nine baggage handlers and another staff member working at the country's busiest airport.

Those arrested are 17 men, aged between 20 and 42, and a 19-year-old woman. Those arrested were appearing in the Manukau District Court yesterday afternoon and today.

It all began on 20 March 2025, when a man was arrested outside an East Tamaki address after 25 kilograms of methamphetamine was discovered in his vehicle.

Now, detectives from the National Organised Crime Group and counterparts at Customs have uncovered a wider group organising and facilitating controlled drugs being smuggled through Auckland Airport.

"Police will allege in court that this group imported controlled drugs through the airport on six occasions," Detective Inspector Tom Gollan says.

"As a result, approximately 64 kilograms of methamphetamine and 3.4 kilograms of cocaine has been seized by Customs and Police."

This would have gone on to cause significant harm and cost to New Zealand communities.

"Insider threats pose a threat to this country, and we are pleased to continue to work with Auckland Airport authorities, Customs and overseas law enforcement agencies to stamp this out," Detective Inspector Gollan says.

Customs Investigations Manager Dominic Adams adds: "These individuals are alleged to have abused their trusted positions as airport workers to smuggle significant amounts of harmful drugs into New Zealand.

"There is zero tolerance for this type of behaviour and this operation signals the action that law enforcement, with the support of industry partners, has taken against those who thought they could operate outside of the law and profit from their criminal activities."

During the 23 search warrants carried out, Police located a significant amount of cash along with quantities of cocaine and a sawn-off shotgun.

Those arrested will face serious drugs charges, including importation, supply and possession for supply of the class A controlled drugs methamphetamine and cocaine.

Around 64.5kg of methamphetamine equates to:
- 3,225,000 doses
- $22.5m - the approximate retail value of this methamphetamine
- $71.5m - an approximate amount of social harm prevented

Around 3.4kg of cocaine equates to:
- 34,000 doses
- $1.5m - the approximate retail value of this cocaine
- $1m - the approximate amount of social harm prevented

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

Source: NZ Police