File photo. Photo: 123rf.com
Two men have been arrested in Dunedin as part of an investigation into an international criminal syndicate.
NZ Police had been investigating the syndicate's alleged involvement in the importation of Class A drugs into New Zealand, following the seizure of 91kg of cocaine in the USA in August.
With the assistance of Customs, investigators conducted a number of enquiries as part of Operation Port.
On 17 September, two foreign nationals aged 31 and 45 were arrested after allegedly attempting to take drugs off a ship docked at Port Chalmers in Dunedin.
They appeared in the Dunedin District Court on Monday 19 September, on serious charges that relate to conspiring to import cocaine into New Zealand.
Detective Inspector Albie Alexander said Operation Port was another example of NZ Police and Customs' commitment to disrupting and dismantling organised drug networks and reducing drug harm.
Customs Investigations Manager Cam Moore said Customs would continue to work with police and and international partners to detect and put a stop to criminal operations and their proceeds of crime at every opportunity.
Operation Port remained ongoing and police said they could not rule out further arrests.