“The ship was escorted to a safe location just outside Auckland where Customs coordinated with Navy ordnance experts and divers, who used an uncrewed surface vessel and an aerial drone to monitor and inspect the box.”
Authorities said the box contained an electromagnet – which was holding it to the ship – and 7kg of cocaine with a street value of up to NZ$3.15 million.
“The joint operation used a range of technology, including remote controlled equipment, to gather information about the attached box to ensure the safe removal and examination, which led to the cocaine seizure,” Customs maritime manager Robert Smith said.
“Customs works closely with our Navy partners and this operation was a great example of maximising each other’s capabilities and tools to reach a positive outcome.
“Our industry partners also play a big role in helping to keep our borders secure. We were helped by the shipping industry right at the start.”
The operation was an “excellent example” of authorities working “seamlessly together to combat narcotics smuggling”, Navy maritime component commander Commodore Garin Golding said.
“Our control room in Devonport provided a live-tracked, common operating picture to gather intelligence utilising a combination of uncrewed platforms and our professional personnel. It meant the operation was able to be coordinated remotely and achieved the best possible outcome.”
