An estimated 16kg of cocaine worth a retail street value of $5.6 million has been seized at the Port of Tauranga.

This is the second illicit drug seizure by Customs at the Port in a week.

On December 4, cocaine with a street value of nearly $16m was seized from a container that originated in Houston in the United States and had transited through Balboa, Panama.

The recent seizure was discovered in a refrigerated container on board a vessel that began its voyage Peru and transited through Balboa, Panama, before arriving in Tauranga on December 11.

As part of routine Customs checks, the container underwent a risk assessment and X-ray screening, Customs said in a statement today.

Customs officers discovered inconsistencies with the scan, which led to a close examination of the container and its contents.

Customs officers found 16 cocaine bricks, each weighing 1kg, inside the container, hidden among legitimate goods. The bricks were embossed with “AAA”.

The bricks were embossed with “AAA”. Photo / Customs

Customs Maritime manager Robert Smith said as the year draws to a close, Customs remained steadfast in its vigilance against organised criminal groups targeting New Zealand’s seaports.

“It’s been a demanding year for Customs. With this being the second major seizure at the Port of Tauranga in just one week, we are determined to shut down transnational, serious and organised crime attempts to infiltrate New Zealand. Those who try will face serious consequences.

“With increased trade and travel over summer, the pressure on our border security functions intensifies. That’s why we’re calling on the public to play their part – stay alert, speak up and report any suspicious activity on or around the water.”

Smith said Customs works closely with industry partners, including port and shipping companies, but some of the most valuable intelligence comes from the public.

Customs urged industry workers and the public to remain vigilant and help play a part in stopping organised crime.

Suspicions about potential drug smuggling can be reported confidentially to 0800 WE PROTECT (0800 937 768) or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.