Photo: Supplied / NZ Police
Police and Customs say they have disrupted a Mexican crime syndicate operating out of central Auckland importing and distributing methamphetamine.
Three male Mexican nationals, aged 23, 27 and 32, have been arrested and appeared in court.
They are charged with participating in an organised criminal group, importation of methamphetamine and possession and supply of methamphetamine.
Police said 180 kilograms of methemphetamine had been seized, worth about NZ$63 million.
Photo: Supplied / NZ Police
On 26 July, customs officers at the Port of Tauranga found the drugs concealed on a container ship of scrap metal that had originated out of Mexico.
Detective Inspector Tom Gollan said the arrests were the result of a three-month operation.
Enquiries are continuing into whether the arrested men are linked to a Mexican cartel.