Police investigate $40m cocaine haul found in South Auckland container
Wednesday 28 October 2026 · 4 outlets · 4 reports · updated In this story NZ Customs Service, Counties Manukau CIB
Authorities are investigating after 137kg of cocaine, valued at approximately $40 million, was discovered in a South Auckland facility on Tuesday. Staff alerted police after finding suspicious bags inside a container that had arrived from the Netherlands via Balboa. Officers also located two Glock pistols and ammunition at the scene.
Key facts
5 facts
- Estimated $40 million cocaine seizure
- 137kg of cocaine found in 137 bricks
- Two Glock pistols and 200 rounds of ammunition recovered
- Shipment originated in the Netherlands via Balboa
- Discovery made Tuesday morning at a South Auckland facility
The full story
1 min read · 4 outlets
Police are investigating after an estimated $40 million worth of cocaine was discovered in a container at a South Auckland facility. The shipment, which weighed 137kg, was found on Tuesday morning after staff noticed suspicious bags inside the container and alerted authorities.
Officers located 137 individual bricks of the Class A drug during the search. A further search of the container also uncovered two Glock pistols, ammunition magazines, and approximately 200 rounds of ammunition.
Detective Inspector Karen Bright of Counties Manukau CIB stated, "This is a significant seizure of cocaine for this country". The shipment arrived from the Netherlands via Balboa.
Police are currently conducting further enquiries into the shipment and will work with international law enforcement partners. New Zealand Customs has assisted with the ongoing investigation.
Where reports differ
- One report estimates the seizure represents approximately 1.37 million doses.
Compiled from reports by 1News, NZ Herald, Stuff and Otago Daily Times.