Eleven arrested in police crackdown on alleged drug-smuggling ring

Friday 19 September 2025 · 3 outlets · 3 reports · updated Fri 19 Sep 2025, 7:38pm

In this story NZ Customs Service

Police and Customs arrested 11 people during Operation Mexted, a five-month investigation into an alleged international drug-smuggling ring. Raids across Auckland and Waikato resulted in the seizure of drugs, firearms, and nearly $1 million in cash.

How they headlined it

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1. NZ HeraldFri 19 Sep 2025, 5:56pm

   Operation Mexted: Police bust alleged drug-smuggling ring across Auckland, Waikato (opens in new tab)

2. RNZFri 19 Sep 2025, 7:26pm

   Police, Customs arrest 11 after 'Operation Mexted' swoops on drug smugglers (opens in new tab)

3. 1NewsFri 19 Sep 2025, 7:38pm

   Submachine gun found in Airbnb as police bust alleged drug-smuggling ring (opens in new tab)