Two men have appeared in court following the seizure of 34kg of methamphetamine from a ship at Tauranga.
Photo: NZ Customs
NZ Customs said the ship arrived in Tauranga from Fiji on Monday and methamphetamine was found in bags in various locations on board.
The department said the methamphetamine was worth up to $17 million and its seizure has prevented up to $42.1 million of potential social harm to New Zealanders.
The Fiji nationals, both in their 30s, appeared in the Tauranga District Court yesterday afternoon.
They face charges relating to importation and possession of a class A controlled drug, which carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
Customs investigations manager Bruce Berry said the vessel was identified as posing a potential risk before it arrived in New Zealand, and the seizure was a reminder that customs was active in seaports across the country.