The shipment was on its way to Port of Tauranga. Photo: RNZ / Cole Eastham-Farrelly
A joint investigation by police and customs has led to 50 kilograms of cocaine being intercepted on its way to the Port of Tauranga.
It is believed the shipment was sent to New Zealand from Brazil in February, Detective Inspector Tom Gollan, from police's national organised crime group said.
Four men were initially arrested following the discovery, and a further seven arrests were made after police searched properties in Auckland and Tauranga.
Two of the men arrested were believed to be senior members of a well-known gang, Gollan said, while two others were believed to be in the same gang.
"During a further search warrant in the Counties Manukau district, a significant number of firearms were located and seized. A man arrested at the address was found with a loaded pistol."
The group of men had been preparing to recover the cocaine, Gollan said, and they had purchased walkie-talkie radios, an army ghillie suit, bolt cutters, gloves, security branded shirts and high-vis gear.
"These methods, combined with the alleged possession of illegal firearms, demonstrates the lengths criminal enterprises are willing to go to avoid detection and import illicit drugs into New Zealand."
The 11 men are facing charges relating to the importation and possession for supply of cocaine and will appear in Auckland District Court.
Two of the men also faced charges related to the guns found, and Gollan said further charges as more information came to light has not been ruled out.
Customs Investigations manager Dominic Adams added all air and sea cargo shipments were screened by Cutoms and any that raised red flags were looked at.
"We also work closely with Ports and legitimate supply chain partners to help keep our borders safe and secure."
