New Zealand / Crime

7th person arrested over massive meth bust

19:42 pm on 27 June 2016

A seventh person has been arrested and charged in relation to the country's biggest-ever haul of methamphetamine in Kaitaia two weeks ago.

Police say information from locals led to the seizure of nearly half-a-tonne of the drug.

Northland Police have made a record seizure of methamphetamine - with an estimated street value of $438 million on the street. Photo: SUPPLIED/New Zealand Police

It was smuggled in on a boat found stranded on 90 Mile Beach.

Most of the haul was seized from a campervan, with officers digging up another 46 kilograms buried in the sand on the beach.

A 33-year-old man has now been charged with importing a class A drug, possessing it for supply and participating in an organised criminal group.

The man is due to appear in the Auckland District Court tomorrow morning.

Six others were already facing charges over the haul of methampetamine, estimated to be worth almost half a billion dollars.