$80m worth of cocaine seized in Auckland after overseas tip-off

Police have arrested five men and seized 250kg of cocaine with an estimated street value of $80m after an overseas tip-off.It's the second large seizure of cocaine in Auckland this week, and the result of a joint National Organised Crime Group and Customs investigation, known as Operation Toucan, police said.Detective Inspector Tom Gollan said the cocaine was imported into New Zealand, concealed within a shipping container that originated from Brazil.Cocaine bricks were found in 10 duffel bags.NZ POLICE / SUPPLIEDThe container entered New Zealand through the Port of Tauranga where Customs officers found cocaine bricks in 10 duffel bags hidden within a legitimate cargo consignment, Gollan said."The container was then transported to Auckland under the watchful eye of authorities."Gollan said three men were arrested in the early hours of Thursday as they allegedly attempted to remove the cocaine from the container and transfer it to a van.A fourth man, believed to have been acting as a lookout, was arrested nearby.Police then executed six search warrants across Auckland, and seized four high-powered firearms at one address, and arrested a fifth man.High-powered firearms were found at one address.NZ POLICE / SUPPLIEDThe five men, aged 29, 31, 32, 36,and 41, have appeared in Auckland District Court charged with possession of cocaine for supply, possession of firearms, and participation in an organised criminal group.Federal Police of Brazil assisted the operation, which highlighted "the value of strong domestic and international collaboration to combat transnational, serious and organised crime, while protecting New Zealand's legitimate supply chains" Customs acting investigations manager Nigel Barnes said."This operation began offshore, with intelligence from our international partners alerting us to the shipment before it reached New Zealand.Gollan said the seizure represents more than $90m in social harm.The investigation is ongoing, and Police and Customs are not ruling out further arrests or additional charges, police said.