Police have arrested five men and seized 250kg of cocaine with an estimated street value of $80 million following a joint National Organised Crime Group and Customs investigation known as Operation Toucan, according to police statements reported across multiple outlets. The haul, discovered in a container originating from Brazil, marks the second major drug seizure in the Auckland region within a week, coming just after a separate South Auckland bust involving $40 million worth of cocaine.
Operation Toucan Targets Transnational Syndicate
The joint investigation between police and Customs began offshore after international intelligence partners alerted New Zealand authorities to an incoming shipment. The container entered the country through the Port of Tauranga, where Customs officers discovered 10 duffel bags filled with 150kg of cocaine hidden among a legitimate consignment of cargo, according to Detective Inspector Tom Gollan. Authorities allowed the container to travel to Auckland under surveillance.
Did You Know? The criminal syndicate utilized a smuggling method known as “rip-on, rip-off,” which involves concealing contraband inside a legitimate commercial shipment without the knowledge or consent of the shippers.
In the early hours of Thursday, detectives and specialist police units arrested three men as they allegedly attempted to transfer the cocaine from the container into a van. A fourth man, believed to be acting as a lookout, was arrested nearby. Following these arrests, officers executed six search warrants across Auckland, seizing four high-powered firearms at one address and taking a fifth man into custody.
Five men face drug and firearm charges in court
Five men aged 29, 31, 32, 36, and 41 appeared in the Auckland District Court facing charges of possession of cocaine for supply, possession of firearms, and participation in an organised criminal group. Detective Inspector Tom Gollan described the find as a concerning illustration of the link between large-scale drug importation and firearms. The Federal Police of Brazil assisted in the operation.
This operation follows an unrelated discovery on Wednesday in South Auckland, where staff unpacking a shipping container alerted authorities to suspicious bags. According to Detective Inspector Karen Bright, that container arrived from the Netherlands via Balboa, Panama, and contained 137kg of cocaine across 137 bricks worth an estimated $40 million, alongside two Glock pistols and approximately 200 rounds of ammunition. While RNZ reported the Operation Toucan seizure at a combined $80 million, Detective Inspector Gollan noted that the total social harm prevented by the 250kg haul exceeds $90 million.
Officials praise international collaboration as active inquiries continue
Customs acting investigations manager Nigel Barnes emphasized that the operation demonstrates the value of strong domestic and international collaboration in protecting New Zealand’s legitimate supply chains. Police and Customs officials confirmed that the investigation remains active and that further arrests or additional charges have not been ruled out as inquiries continue.
Details on shipment origins, weapon seizures, and court appearances
Where did the Operation Toucan cocaine shipment originate?
According to police, the shipping container originated from Brazil and entered New Zealand through the Port of Tauranga before being tracked to Auckland.
What weapons were recovered during the police searches?
Investigators seized four high-powered firearms during search warrants executed across Auckland following the Thursday arrests. In the separate Wednesday seizure in South Auckland, officers also recovered two Glock pistols and around 200 rounds of ammunition.
Have the suspects appeared in court?
Yes, five men aged 29, 31, 32, 36, and 41 have appeared in the Auckland District Court charged with possession of cocaine for supply, possession of firearms, and participation in an organised criminal group.
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