Photo: RNZ / Angus Dreaver
Four people have been arrested after more than 80 kilograms of methamphetamine concealed in pallets arrived at Napier Port in March.
The drugs were imported from South Africa and an investigation, dubbed Operation Viceroy, began.
Police said the street value of the 83kg of methamphetamine was about $29 million.
Its seizure meant more than $90m worth of harm in the community was prevented. Police said evidence showed the drugs were meant for the Auckland market.
In a statement, Detective Inspector Darrin Thomson said the operation had seen more than four million doses taken off the streets.
The drugs were imported from South Africa and arrived concealed in pallets at Napier Port in March. Photo: Supplied / Napier Port
"Between NZ Customs and police, we are continuing our investigations to identify the perpetrators behind this importation.
"These arrests demonstrate the excellent collaboration between police and Customs and the strength of our border security in action. A significant syndicate has had its supply chain disrupted and it again highlights the determination of law enforcement to keep New Zealanders safe from the harm associated with methamphetamine.
"Methamphetamine impacts our communities in the worst of ways and both police and Customs are committed to taking every opportunity to disrupt this organised crime and hold offenders to account."
In a statement, Customs investigations manager Cam Moore said making New Zealand safe from these large imports was a combined effort.
"Alongside our partnership with police, this seizure combined Customs' targeting expertise that identified the likely suspicious shipment before it even arrived. And that work combined with our investigators and frontline teams in Napier to ensure this shipment of methamphetamine did not cross our border.
"This result also reflects the important work our Customs controlled area teams do in Napier and other border entry points around New Zealand alongside port companies and others involved in New Zealand's supply chain.
"Our border protect programme educates those who work at the border or international supply chain about how they help can look out for suspicious shipments or behaviours and report it confidentially."
The search warrants which led to the arrests were conducted in Auckland on 27 March and 28 March.
Those arrested were between the ages of 27 and 33 and charges included importation of the Class A controlled drug methamphetamine, conspiracy to supply methamphetamine and possession for supply of methamphetamine.
The four accused are due to reappear in Manukau District Court on 30 June.