Two men have been arrested and 1.5 million cigarettes seized in an illegal tobacco bust in Auckland.
Customs, assisted by police, executed a series of raids at five storage facilities and private residences across the city.
The searches uncovered 1.5 million cigarettes and $500,000 in cash.
Customs estimated the cigarettes amounted to $2.2 million in evaded taxes.
A 36-year-old Chinese national working as an accountant and a 43-year-old Malaysian national currently in New Zealand on a work visa were arrested.
Both men appeared in the Manukau District Court yesterday, facing several charges relating to illicit tobacco.
Charges included possession of uncustomed goods and defrauding Customs revenue.
Both men were remanded in custody until their next court appearance.
Chief customs officer for fraud and prohibition Nigel Barnes said the bust was part of active monitoring and investigation of the rise in large-scale tobacco smuggling.
“In recent months, Customs has taken enforcement action against several individuals involved in illicit tobacco activities, with smuggling attempts seen through air, sea, and mail channels.
“Those looking to take advantage should know we’re committed to catching and prosecuting offenders – and recovering what doesn’t belong to them,” he said.
In September, 1News revealed over 3 million individual cigarettes have been caught at the border in 2025 so far. This latest seizure increases that number dramatically.
Barnes said tobacco smuggling had a “financial impact” on communities across New Zealand.
“Tax evasion reduces revenue that supports essential public services for New Zealanders. The amount seized represents a substantial loss in tax contributions.
“Customs will continue to prioritise and combat this type of crime.”
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