Two men have been arrested over an attempt to smuggle 110kg of methamphetamine and two handguns into New Zealand inside golf cart batteries.
Photo: Supplied
Customs officers found the class A drug and guns in January, hidden in batteries inside a shipping container of three six-seater golf carts exported from the United States.
Customs and police officers searched houses in west and South Auckland over the weekend, leading to the two arrests.
A Taiwanese national, 39, and a Chinese national, 27, will appear in Auckland District Court today on charges of importing and possessing a class A controlled drug.
Customs said the seizure had prevented more than $136m worth of social harm to New Zealand communities, based on the NZ Drug Harm Index.
Customs officers discovered handguns and 110kg of methamphetamine. Photo: RNZ /SUPPLIED
Investigations manager Bruce Berry said the operation was the result of some very good intelligence and inspections work by Customs staff.
"The presence of loaded firearms concealed with the drugs is a very real concern and shows the lengths organised crime groups are prepared to go to," Mr Berry said.
"It also represents a changing risk profile to both our officers and the community at large."
Customs officers found the class A drug and guns in January, hidden in batteries inside a shipping container of three six-seater golf carts exported from the United States. Photo: NZ Police
Photo: RNZ / Supplied