Large 24kg opium stash intercepted in parcels bound for Bay of Plenty
A large stash of opium was discovered in packages en route to the Western Bay of Plenty, leading to multiple search warrants and arrests.
Police confirmed three people have been arrested after an investigation by the Tauranga Crime Investigation Branch targeting the importation and distribution of opium.
Detective Senior Sergeant Michael Varnam said police became involved after Customs found parcels containing 24kg of the class B controlled drug.
Varnam said the parcels were located between June 1 and July 19.
The drugs intercepted in Auckland were destined for Western Bay of Plenty and sent from the United Kingdom and India.
“Following further inquiries on Thursday and Friday last week, police executed search warrants at 11 addresses in Tauranga, Papamoa, Ōmokoroa and Te Puke,” Varnam said.
Police seized a “significant amount” of opium, steroids, cash and electronic devices.
“Two men, aged 31 and 36, have been charged with importing opium, one of whom is facing a representative charge of importing 48kg over the past 12 months, while a 38-year-old man has been charged with possession of prescription medication,” Varnam said.
He said all three men were due to appear in Tauranga District Court in the coming weeks.
Police became involved after parcels containing 24kg of the class B controlled drug were intercepted by Customs. Photo / NZ Police
This follows an April arrest, when police executed a search warrant at a Tauranga address and located 24kg of opium.
Varnam said in that case, a 38-year-old has been charged with importing and is currently before the court.
He said opium is highly addictive and can contain toxic chemicals which are seriously harmful to the body, affecting your brain, gut, liver, lungs, kidneys, skin, eyes and immune system.
“The importation and supply of opium is a concern for us, and we will continue to target the people behind it.”
As the matter is before the courts, police said they could not comment further.
Police said they are continuing to work with the impacted community.
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