8 Nov 2017

Two more arrested in cocaine seizure case

5:53 pm on 8 November 2017

The police have uncovered a sophisticated money laundering operation connected with the seizure of 46 kilograms of cocaine in Tauranga last week, they say.

The Maersk Antares at the Bridge Marina Pier A in Tauranga.

The Maersk Antares at the Bridge Marina Pier A in Tauranga. Photo: Andrew Campbell.

The cocaine, with a street value of about $20 million, was smuggled on a commercial ship.

Officers arrested two Aucklanders today and charged them with laundering hundreds of thousands of dollars.

They also seized a car, a motorbike, electronic equipment, thousands of dollars in cash and a money counting machine.

Last week two Australians, a Croatian and a Serbian were charged with importing cocaine and possessing the drug for supply.

The two Aucklanders will appear in the Auckland District Court on 14 November.

Get the RNZ app

for ad-free news and current affairs