Eighteen arrested in Auckland Airport drug smuggling investigation

Thursday 26 June 2025 · 5 outlets · 5 reports · updated Thu 26 Jun 2025, 12:29pm

In this story NZ Customs Service

Police and Customs have arrested 18 people, including nine baggage handlers and an airport staff member, following a joint investigation into drug smuggling. The operation resulted in the seizure of 64kg of methamphetamine and 3.4kg of cocaine. Raids were carried out at nearly two dozen properties across Auckland on Wednesday.

How they headlined it

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1. StuffThu 26 Jun 2025, 9:19am

   Auckland Airport baggage handlers arrested for meth and cocaine smuggling ring (opens in new tab)

2. 1NewsThu 26 Jun 2025, 9:47am

   Auckland Airport drug ring: $24m meth, cocaine seized — 18 arrests (opens in new tab)

3. NZ HeraldThu 26 Jun 2025, 9:51am

   Auckland Airport drug ring busted: 18 arrested, including airport staff, $24m of meth seized (opens in new tab)

4. RNZThu 26 Jun 2025, 11:18am

   Nine baggage handlers arrested at Auckland Airport in $24m drug smuggling bust (opens in new tab)

5. Otago Daily TimesThu 26 Jun 2025, 12:29pm

   Baggage handlers arrested in $24m drug-smuggling bust (opens in new tab)