Twenty-seven arrested in Auckland airport drug smuggling investigation

Thursday 31 July 2025 · 4 outlets · 4 reports · updated Thu 31 Jul 2025, 5:03pm

In this story NZ Police, NZ Customs Service

Police and Customs have arrested 27 people following an investigation into an international crime syndicate smuggling methamphetamine and cocaine via unattended baggage. The group allegedly involved local gangs and 15 current or former baggage handlers at Auckland International Airport. The operation has been named Operation Matata.

How they headlined it

4:06pm4:46pm

1. 1NewsThu 31 Jul 2025, 4:06pm

   Dozens of arrests over unattended bags of drugs at Auckland airport (opens in new tab)

2. RNZThu 31 Jul 2025, 4:11pm

   Operation Matata: More baggage handlers at Auckland International Airport charged in major drug smuggling bust (opens in new tab)

3. NZ HeraldThu 31 Jul 2025, 4:46pm

   Alleged baggage handler drug-smuggling plot: Nine more arrests bring total to 27 in Auckland meth, coke case (opens in new tab)

4. StuffThu 31 Jul 2025, 5:03pm

   Auckland Airport baggage handlers charged after major meth seizure (opens in new tab)