Police in New Zealand have made a major drug bust, arresting 27 individuals and seizing 743kg of meth and cocaine. The operation, known as “Operation Matata,” was a joint effort between the police and customs, targeting a transnational organized crime syndicate that was working with local gangs to smuggle drugs into the country. The investigation revealed an elaborate scheme in which drugs were smuggled through unaccompanied baggage on international flights, with the help of at least 15 current and former airport workers who bypassed security protocols.
The operation was carried out in two phases, with the latest one resulting in nine arrests on Wednesday. This followed an earlier phase on June 24, 2025, which led to 18 arrests. In total, 15 current and former baggage handlers employed by airline baggage handling agencies at Auckland International Airport were charged.
During the investigation, customs also worked with authorities in the United States to intercept and seize 631kg of methamphetamine and 112kg of cocaine. This prevented the drugs from reaching New Zealand communities, which is a significant achievement considering that this amount of drugs would have provided roughly six doses of methamphetamine to every person in the country.
On Wednesday, 19 search warrants were executed across the Auckland region, resulting in the seizure of approximately $150,000 in cash. Detective Inspector Tom Gollan of the National Organised Crime Group emphasized the importance of this operation in disrupting a major threat to New Zealand. He stated that the group’s operation involved placing unaccompanied bags on international flights, which were then covertly removed upon arrival in Auckland by corrupt baggage handlers.
Customs Investigations Manager Dominic Adams echoed this sentiment, stating that the risk of criminal infiltration in New Zealand’s high volume of trade and travel is very real. He also emphasized the importance of collaboration with international partners and industry stakeholders in protecting communities from organized crime groups who exploit international supply chains.
The recent seizure of 50kg of methamphetamine on a flight from Malaysia on June 18, 2025, highlights the persistence of these criminal groups. One of the arrested individuals gained unauthorized access at Auckland International Airport and was observed piloting a baggage cart towards the aircraft. However, a coordinated response from police, customs, and other agencies prevented the drugs from entering the country.
According to Detective Inspector Gollan, this is not the first time such criminal activities have been uncovered at the airport. He mentioned previous investigations, including Operation Selena, which have led to multiple arrests of baggage handlers and their controllers. These efforts have also made it more difficult for organized crime groups to operate at the airport, making them more vulnerable to discovery.
The investigation and subsequent arrests send a clear message that law enforcement and their partners are committed to tackling this issue head on. Detective Inspector Gollan emphasized that these criminal syndicates only care about profit and have no regard for the harm their drugs cause to vulnerable communities.