Customs seizes 1.5 million cigarettes and $500,000 in Auckland raids

Thursday 20 November 2025 · 2 outlets · 2 reports · updated Thu 20 Nov 2025, 11:21am

In this story NZ Customs Service

Customs and police arrested two men following searches of five storage facilities and private residences across Auckland. The operation uncovered 1.5 million cigarettes, representing an estimated $2.2 million in evaded excise taxes, along with approximately $500,000 in cash.

How they headlined it

10:36am11:21am

1. StuffThu 20 Nov 2025, 10:36am

   Customs bust seizes 1.5 million cigarettes, $500,000 in cash found (opens in new tab)

2. 1NewsThu 20 Nov 2025, 11:21am

   1.5 million illicit cigarettes seized in raids across Auckland (opens in new tab)