Latest news with #OperationMatata
1News
31-07-2025
- 1News
Dozens of arrests over unattended bags of drugs at Auckland airport
Twenty-seven people have been arrested following a joint police-customs investigation involving the importation of significant quantities of methamphetamine and cocaine into New Zealand through unattended baggage. A major transnational organised crime syndicate was allegedly working with local gangs to smuggle the Class A drugs through unattended baggage on international flights — primarily through Auckland International Airport, Detective Inspector Tom Gollan said. The first phase of Operation Matata led to the arrests of 18 people on serious criminal and drug charges on June 24. It was followed by a second phase in which police and customs investigators searched 19 properties across the Auckland region yesterday, leading to nine arrests. Unattended baggage in a trolley at Auckland International Airport. (Source: NZ Police ) ADVERTISEMENT Fifteen current and former baggage handlers employed by airline baggage handling agencies at Auckland International Airport were among those arrested and charged, police said. During the course of the investigation, customs — working alongside US authorities — seized 631 kilograms of methamphetamine and 112 kilograms of cocaine. "Putting it into perspective, this seizure would have provided nearly every Kiwi roughly six doses of methamphetamine each." Stacks of cash stored in shoe boxes. (Source: NZ Police) The latest interception involved a baggage handler who allegedly attempted to smuggle 50 kilograms of methamphetamine aboard a flight from Malaysia on June 18. 'It will be alleged one of the arrested individuals gained unauthorised airside access at Auckland International Airport and was observed piloting a baggage cart towards the aircraft,' he said. 'The man's attempts were thwarted by a swift and coordinated response from police, Customs and other agencies.' ADVERTISEMENT Gollan said the investigation "has exposed and disrupted a significant threat to New Zealand". "Police will allege the group's operation involved placing unaccompanied bags on international flights, which were then covertly removed on arrival in Auckland by corrupt baggage handlers to avoid security protocols." 'A dangerous threat to the wider community' Unattended baggage containing Class A drugs. (Source: NZ Police ) Since the beginning of this year, the joint operation has disrupted and intercepted multiple drug shipments bound for New Zealand on flights originating from Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Santiago, Honolulu, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New York. Customs investigations manager Dominic Adams said New Zealand's volume of legitimate trade and travel meant the risk of criminal infiltration was very real. 'In tandem with the police and our international partners and industry stakeholders, customs is continuing to protect communities from the organised criminal groups who are attempting to exploit our international supply chains," he said. "These individuals are abusing their positions of trust to carry out crime, which not only affects New Zealand's reputation as a safe place to do business but poses a dangerous threat to the wider community by bringing extremely harmful drugs into New Zealand. 'These arrests send a clear message that Customs and our agency and industry partners are tackling this issue head on, and a potential criminal conviction awaits those who choose to subvert the supply chain for their own gains.'
NZ Herald
31-07-2025
- NZ Herald
Alleged baggage handler drug-smuggling plot: Nine more arrests bring total to 27 in Auckland meth, coke case
Of the 27 arrests to date, 15 are current or former baggage handlers employed by agencies operating at Auckland International Airport. Through Operation Matata, police have accused the syndicate of allegedly smuggling the Class A drugs in unattended bags, mostly through Auckland. During the investigation, the NZ Customs Service seized 631 kilograms of methamphetamine and 112kg of cocaine. Customs worked alongside United States authorities. Police said that much meth would be enough for six doses for every New Zealander. During the investigation, customs staff seized 631 kilograms of methamphetamine and 112kg of cocaine. Customs worked alongside United States authorities. Photo / New Zealand Police Detective Inspector Tom Gollan said the flights carrying the allegedly smuggled drugs came from Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Santiago, Honolulu, Los Angeles, San Francisco and New York. 'Police will allege the group's operation involved placing unaccompanied bags on international flights, which were then covertly removed on arrival in Auckland by corrupt baggage handlers to avoid security protocols,' Gollan said. 'Make no mistake, this investigation has exposed and disrupted a significant threat to New Zealand.' Gollan said Operation Matata began on March 20 this year when a man was arrested in East Tamaki and 25kg of meth was found in his vehicle. Detective Inspector Tom Gollan said the flights carrying the allegedly smuggled drugs came from Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Santiago, Honolulu, Los Angeles, San Francisco and New York. Photo / New Zealand Police The subsequent investigation uncovered 'a wider group organising and facilitating controlled drugs being smuggled through Auckland International Airport'. The most recent seizure turned up 50kg of meth allegedly smuggled on a flight from Malaysia on June 18. 'The man's attempts were thwarted by a swift and co-ordinated response from police, customs and other agencies,' Gollan said. 'It will be alleged one of the arrested individuals gained unauthorised airside access at Auckland International Airport and was observed piloting a baggage cart towards the aircraft.' Customs has seized 631 kilograms of methamphetamine and 112kg of cocaine as part of Operation Matata. Photo / New Zealand Police Gollan said law enforcement would continue to work with the airport and other companies to stamp out insider threats. 'Multiple investigations over the last few years, reaching back to Operation Selena, mean that we have a very good understanding now of any nefarious activity occurring around the arrival of planes and the deplaning of luggage. 'This knowledge has led to multiple arrests of baggage handlers and those people sitting over the top of them as controllers. 'Work done to make the airport more resilient to this criminal behaviour has forced organised crime groups to modify the way they operate, making them more vulnerable to discovery.' Gollan said criminal syndicates brought misery to communities across New Zealand. 'This is particularly the case with methamphetamine, and these organised crime groups are intent on feeding the addiction of our people in vulnerable communities, which saw meth consumption double in July last year.' Customs investigations manager Dominic Adams said New Zealand's volume of legitimate trade and travel meant the risk of criminal infiltration was 'very real'. 'In tandem with the police and our international partners and industry stakeholders, Customs is continuing to protect communities from the organised criminal groups who are attempting to exploit our international supply chains. Police and customs investigators executed 19 search warrants across Auckland as part of the second phase of their operation on Wednesday. Police also turned up $150,000 in cash. Photo / New Zealand Police 'These individuals are abusing their positions of trust to carry out crime, which not only affects New Zealand's reputation as a safe place to do business but poses a dangerous threat to the wider community by bringing extremely harmful drugs into New Zealand. 'These arrests send a clear message that Customs and our agency and industry partners are tackling this issue head-on, and a potential criminal conviction awaits those who choose to subvert the supply chain for their own gains.' Raphael Franks is an Auckland-based reporter who covers business, breaking news and local stories from Tāmaki Makaurau. He joined the Herald as a Te Rito cadet in 2022. Sign up to The Daily H, a free newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
Scoop
31-07-2025
- Scoop
Operation Matata: ‘Significant Threat' Exposed In Second Phase OfSmuggling Operation'
Press Release – New Zealand Police During the course of the investigation, Customs working alongside US authorities, seized 631 kilograms of methamphetamine and 112 kilograms of cocaine, stopping it from getting into our communities. A joint Police-Customs investigation has unravelled a major transnational organised crime syndicate working with local gangs to import significant quantities of methamphetamine and cocaine into New Zealand. Operation Matata has identified that the syndicate was allegedly smuggling Class A drugs through unattended baggage on international flights, primarily through Auckland International Airport. The investigation has had two separate termination phases. The latest, on Wednesday, has seen nine people facing serious criminal and drugs charges. This follows an earlier 18 arrests on 24 June 2025 in the first phase. In total 15 current and former baggage handlers employed by airline baggage handling agencies at Auckland International Airport were charged. During the course of the investigation, Customs working alongside US authorities, seized 631 kilograms of methamphetamine and 112 kilograms of cocaine, stopping it from getting into our communities. Putting it into perspective, this seizure would have provided nearly every Kiwi roughly six doses of methamphetamine each. On Wednesday, Police and Customs investigators executed 19 search warrants across the Auckland region. 'Make no mistake, this investigation has exposed and disrupted a significant threat to New Zealand,' Detective Inspector Tom Gollan, of the National Organised Crime Group says. 'Police will allege the group's operation involved placing unaccompanied bags on international flights, which were then covertly removed on arrival in Auckland by corrupt baggage handlers to avoid security protocols.' Since the beginning of this year Police and Customs working closely with overseas law enforcement partners have disrupted and intercepted multiple drug shipments bound for New Zealand. Flights have originated from Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Santiago, Honolulu, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New York. Customs Investigations Manager Dominic Adams says New Zealand's volume of legitimate trade and travel means the risk of criminal infiltration is very real. 'In tandem with the Police and our international partners and industry stakeholders, Customs is continuing to protect communities from the organised criminal groups who are attempting to exploit our international supply chains. 'These individuals are abusing their positions of trust to carry out crime, which not only affects New Zealand's reputation as a safe place to do business but poses a dangerous threat to the wider community by bringing extremely harmful drugs into New Zealand. 'These arrests send a clear message that Customs and our agency and industry partners are tackling this issue head on, and a potential criminal conviction awaits those who choose to subvert the supply chain for their own gains.' Detective Inspector Gollan says the most recent seizure was 50 kilograms of methamphetamine smuggled aboard a flight from Malaysia on 18 June 2025. 'It will be alleged one of the arrested individuals gained unauthorised airside access at Auckland International Airport and was observed piloting a baggage cart towards the aircraft,' he says. 'The man's attempts were thwarted by a swift and coordinated response from Police, Customs and other agencies.' Wednesday's search warrants located approximately $150,000 in cash. 'Law enforcement continues to work with airport authorities and other companies to stamp out insider threats, making it difficult for criminal enterprises to operate in that environment,' Detective Inspector Gollan says. 'Multiple investigations over the last few years, reaching back to Operation Selena, means that we have a very good understanding now of any nefarious activity occurring around the arrival of planes and the deplaning of luggage. 'This knowledge has led to multiple arrests of baggage handlers and those people siting over the top of them as controllers. 'Work done to make the airport more resilient to this criminal behaviour has forced organised crime groups to modify the way they operate making them more vulnerable to discovery.' Detective Inspector Gollan says this work continues. 'These syndicates operate for profit only, disregarding the misery these drugs would bring to communities across New Zealand. 'This is particularly the case with methamphetamine and these organised crime groups are intent on feeding the addiction of our people in vulnerable communities, of which saw meth consumption double in July last year.' By the numbers: Operation Matata – 27 arrests to-date – 631kg – methamphetamine seized. – 31.5m – doses of methamphetamine seized – $220.8m – retail value of methamphetamine seized – $699.3m – estimated social harm figure – 112kg – cocaine seized. – 1.12m – doses of cocaine seized – $50.4 – retail value of cocaine seized – $33.6m – estimated social harm figure
Scoop
31-07-2025
- Scoop
Operation Matata: ‘Significant Threat' Exposed In Second Phase OfSmuggling Operation'
Press Release – New Zealand Police A joint Police-Customs investigation has unravelled a major transnational organised crime syndicate working with local gangs to import significant quantities of methamphetamine and cocaine into New Zealand. Operation Matata has identified that the syndicate was allegedly smuggling Class A drugs through unattended baggage on international flights, primarily through Auckland International Airport. The investigation has had two separate termination phases. The latest, on Wednesday, has seen nine people facing serious criminal and drugs charges. This follows an earlier 18 arrests on 24 June 2025 in the first phase. In total 15 current and former baggage handlers employed by airline baggage handling agencies at Auckland International Airport were charged. During the course of the investigation, Customs working alongside US authorities, seized 631 kilograms of methamphetamine and 112 kilograms of cocaine, stopping it from getting into our communities. Putting it into perspective, this seizure would have provided nearly every Kiwi roughly six doses of methamphetamine each. On Wednesday, Police and Customs investigators executed 19 search warrants across the Auckland region. 'Make no mistake, this investigation has exposed and disrupted a significant threat to New Zealand,' Detective Inspector Tom Gollan, of the National Organised Crime Group says. 'Police will allege the group's operation involved placing unaccompanied bags on international flights, which were then covertly removed on arrival in Auckland by corrupt baggage handlers to avoid security protocols.' Since the beginning of this year Police and Customs working closely with overseas law enforcement partners have disrupted and intercepted multiple drug shipments bound for New Zealand. Flights have originated from Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Santiago, Honolulu, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New York. Customs Investigations Manager Dominic Adams says New Zealand's volume of legitimate trade and travel means the risk of criminal infiltration is very real. 'In tandem with the Police and our international partners and industry stakeholders, Customs is continuing to protect communities from the organised criminal groups who are attempting to exploit our international supply chains. 'These individuals are abusing their positions of trust to carry out crime, which not only affects New Zealand's reputation as a safe place to do business but poses a dangerous threat to the wider community by bringing extremely harmful drugs into New Zealand. 'These arrests send a clear message that Customs and our agency and industry partners are tackling this issue head on, and a potential criminal conviction awaits those who choose to subvert the supply chain for their own gains.' Detective Inspector Gollan says the most recent seizure was 50 kilograms of methamphetamine smuggled aboard a flight from Malaysia on 18 June 2025. 'It will be alleged one of the arrested individuals gained unauthorised airside access at Auckland International Airport and was observed piloting a baggage cart towards the aircraft,' he says. 'The man's attempts were thwarted by a swift and coordinated response from Police, Customs and other agencies.' Wednesday's search warrants located approximately $150,000 in cash. 'Law enforcement continues to work with airport authorities and other companies to stamp out insider threats, making it difficult for criminal enterprises to operate in that environment,' Detective Inspector Gollan says. 'Multiple investigations over the last few years, reaching back to Operation Selena, means that we have a very good understanding now of any nefarious activity occurring around the arrival of planes and the deplaning of luggage. 'This knowledge has led to multiple arrests of baggage handlers and those people siting over the top of them as controllers. 'Work done to make the airport more resilient to this criminal behaviour has forced organised crime groups to modify the way they operate making them more vulnerable to discovery.' Detective Inspector Gollan says this work continues. 'These syndicates operate for profit only, disregarding the misery these drugs would bring to communities across New Zealand. 'This is particularly the case with methamphetamine and these organised crime groups are intent on feeding the addiction of our people in vulnerable communities, of which saw meth consumption double in July last year.' By the numbers: Operation Matata – 27 arrests to-date – 631kg – methamphetamine seized. – 31.5m – doses of methamphetamine seized – $220.8m – retail value of methamphetamine seized – $699.3m – estimated social harm figure – 112kg – cocaine seized. – 1.12m – doses of cocaine seized – $50.4 – retail value of cocaine seized – $33.6m – estimated social harm figure Content Sourced from Original url
Scoop
31-07-2025
- Scoop
Operation Matata: ‘Significant Threat' Exposed In Second Phase OfSmuggling Operation"
A joint Police-Customs investigation has unravelled a major transnational organised crime syndicate working with local gangs to import significant quantities of methamphetamine and cocaine into New Zealand. Operation Matata has identified that the syndicate was allegedly smuggling Class A drugs through unattended baggage on international flights, primarily through Auckland International Airport. The investigation has had two separate termination phases. The latest, on Wednesday, has seen nine people facing serious criminal and drugs charges. This follows an earlier 18 arrests on 24 June 2025 in the first phase. In total 15 current and former baggage handlers employed by airline baggage handling agencies at Auckland International Airport were charged. During the course of the investigation, Customs working alongside US authorities, seized 631 kilograms of methamphetamine and 112 kilograms of cocaine, stopping it from getting into our communities. Putting it into perspective, this seizure would have provided nearly every Kiwi roughly six doses of methamphetamine each. On Wednesday, Police and Customs investigators executed 19 search warrants across the Auckland region. 'Make no mistake, this investigation has exposed and disrupted a significant threat to New Zealand,' Detective Inspector Tom Gollan, of the National Organised Crime Group says. 'Police will allege the group's operation involved placing unaccompanied bags on international flights, which were then covertly removed on arrival in Auckland by corrupt baggage handlers to avoid security protocols.' Since the beginning of this year Police and Customs working closely with overseas law enforcement partners have disrupted and intercepted multiple drug shipments bound for New Zealand. Flights have originated from Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Santiago, Honolulu, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New York. Customs Investigations Manager Dominic Adams says New Zealand's volume of legitimate trade and travel means the risk of criminal infiltration is very real. 'In tandem with the Police and our international partners and industry stakeholders, Customs is continuing to protect communities from the organised criminal groups who are attempting to exploit our international supply chains. 'These individuals are abusing their positions of trust to carry out crime, which not only affects New Zealand's reputation as a safe place to do business but poses a dangerous threat to the wider community by bringing extremely harmful drugs into New Zealand. 'These arrests send a clear message that Customs and our agency and industry partners are tackling this issue head on, and a potential criminal conviction awaits those who choose to subvert the supply chain for their own gains.' Detective Inspector Gollan says the most recent seizure was 50 kilograms of methamphetamine smuggled aboard a flight from Malaysia on 18 June 2025. 'It will be alleged one of the arrested individuals gained unauthorised airside access at Auckland International Airport and was observed piloting a baggage cart towards the aircraft,' he says. 'The man's attempts were thwarted by a swift and coordinated response from Police, Customs and other agencies.' Wednesday's search warrants located approximately $150,000 in cash. 'Law enforcement continues to work with airport authorities and other companies to stamp out insider threats, making it difficult for criminal enterprises to operate in that environment,' Detective Inspector Gollan says. 'Multiple investigations over the last few years, reaching back to Operation Selena, means that we have a very good understanding now of any nefarious activity occurring around the arrival of planes and the deplaning of luggage. 'This knowledge has led to multiple arrests of baggage handlers and those people siting over the top of them as controllers. 'Work done to make the airport more resilient to this criminal behaviour has forced organised crime groups to modify the way they operate making them more vulnerable to discovery.' Detective Inspector Gollan says this work continues. 'These syndicates operate for profit only, disregarding the misery these drugs would bring to communities across New Zealand. 'This is particularly the case with methamphetamine and these organised crime groups are intent on feeding the addiction of our people in vulnerable communities, of which saw meth consumption double in July last year.' By the numbers: Operation Matata - 27 arrests to-date - 631kg – methamphetamine seized. - 31.5m – doses of methamphetamine seized - $220.8m – retail value of methamphetamine seized - $699.3m – estimated social harm figure - 112kg - cocaine seized. - 1.12m – doses of cocaine seized - $50.4 – retail value of cocaine seized - $33.6m – estimated social harm figure
