New Zealand: New Zealand police confirmed on Wednesday that more than 3.5 tonnes of cocaine were discovered floating in the Pacific Ocean last week. The quantity is the biggest drug seizure the nation has ever seen.
In a joint effort between the New Zealand Police, Customs Service, and a defence force called Operation Hydros that was launched in December to monitor "suspicious vessels' movements," the cocaine was discovered. It was packaged in 81 plastic-wrapped bales covered with nets equipped with flotation devices. The cargo was picked up and transported back to Auckland by the Royal Navy ship HMNZS Manawanui, where it will be destroyed.
The cocaine, which had a wholesale value of about 500 million New Zealand dollars ($316 million), could have supplied the Australian market for a full year and the New Zealand market for 30 years, according to Police Commissioner Andrew Coster.
Also Read: Swedish police prevent a Qur'an burning demonstration
According to Greg Williams, head of the police force's organised crime unit, the method of packaging and delivery was not unusual for the area, but the quantity of cocaine was about four times larger than the haul that had previously set the record.
Also Read: Pope requests the release of Cubans detained during the protests of 2021
Police have not identified any suspects or made any arrests. Police believe that the drop-off location serves as a "transit point" for international drug smugglers.
Also Read: An ex-medical student from the UK who is now a member of ISIS wants to "face justice" in Britain
Authorities highlighted the importance of law enforcement cooperating with other government agencies and gave Operation Hydros credit for the discovery. Acting Customs Service comptroller Bill Perry said, "We see perhaps this is just an indication that the transnational organised crime groups are testing the market in different ways. As agencies, we need to collaborate."