The methamphetamine was found concealed within four wheat thresher machines. Photo: Supplied / Police
Nine people have been arrested over a $70 million drug haul in Auckland.
The operation - dubbed Operation Brewer - saw almost 200 kilograms of methamphetamine seized by customs at the Ports of Auckland.
The police say the drugs were hidden in four wheat thresher machines that had been imported from Dubai.
Detective Inspector Tom Gollan said it was a "sophisticated concealment method".
"This highlights the extreme lengths criminal enterprises will go to to avoid detection.
"Police believe this haul of methamphetamine was destined for the New Zealand market and if it had not been intercepted it would have resulted in more than $200 million worth of social harm caused across a lot of very vulnerable communities."
Four men were arrested in July while dismantling the machines on a rural south Auckland property.
Two others were also arrested in the following days.
All six have appeared in court, facing charges of importing and possessing methamphetamine and participating in an organised crime group.
All have pleaded not guilty.
Three other people are accused of organising and facilitating the drug import.
Those three are due in court in Auckland today.
Gollan said the seizure was another "superb" example of police working with its partners to identify such imports.
"The social harm this amount of methamphetamine could have caused to the community is significant, and we are very pleased with the seizure and arrest of the men involved."
Customs investigations manager Cam Moore said it reinforced the strength of its relationship with police to disrupt drug smuggling and crime groups who target communities.
"Criminals need to be aware that Customs is working tirelessly with key partners, both domestic and international, to identify and intercept risk shipments and prevent significant harm from occurring.
"Customs are experts at what we do and combining our expertise with that of Police allows us to identify and hold to account those who choose to deal in this abhorrent behaviour."
