Police arrest 43 people in Auckland Airport drug smuggling probe

Friday 28 November 2025 · 5 outlets · 7 reports · updated Fri 28 Nov 2025, 4:00pm

In this story NZ Customs Service

Operation Matata has resulted in 43 arrests, including 20 baggage handlers and eight members of the Brotherhood 28 MC gang. The investigation targets an organised crime syndicate allegedly using unattended baggage to import large quantities of drugs through Auckland International Airport.

How they headlined it

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1. NZ HeraldFri 28 Nov 2025, 11:45am

   Police update on drug-smuggling ring that led to arrest of Auckland airport baggage handlers (opens in new tab)

2. RNZFri 28 Nov 2025, 11:54am

   Watch live: Latest announced in crackdown on airport staff importing drugs (opens in new tab)

   • Gang president arrested in Auckland Airport drug sting (opens in new tab) Fri 28 Nov 2025, 2:06pm
3. 1NewsFri 28 Nov 2025, 12:04pm

   Live stream: Police, Customs speak about operation targeting drug smuggling (opens in new tab)

   • 'Corrupt' baggage handlers, gang members arrested amid massive drugs probe (opens in new tab) Fri 28 Nov 2025, 12:57pm
4. StuffFri 28 Nov 2025, 1:30pm

   Police say 20 ‘corrupt baggage handlers’ arrested as part of investigation into drug smuggling through Auckland Airport (opens in new tab)

5. Otago Daily TimesFri 28 Nov 2025, 4:00pm

   Gang boss arrested in Auckland Airport drug sting (opens in new tab)