Three arrested following opium investigation in Bay of Plenty

Wednesday 5 August 2026 · 3 outlets · 3 reports · updated Wed 5 Aug, 2:17pm

In this story NZ Customs Service

Three men have been arrested after Customs intercepted parcels containing 24kg of opium between June and July. The investigation led to police search warrants at 11 addresses across Tauranga, Papamoa, Ōmokoroa and Te Puke. Two men face smuggling charges, while a third is charged with possessing prescription medication.

How they headlined it

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1. StuffWed 5 Aug, 1:00pm

   Opium investigation leads to three arrests in Bay of Plenty (opens in new tab)

2. 1NewsWed 5 Aug, 1:26pm

   Three charged after Customs busts 24kg opium smuggling attempt (opens in new tab)

3. NZ HeraldWed 5 Aug, 2:17pm

   Arrests after opium parcels found bound for Tauranga (opens in new tab)