24kg of opium intercepted from UK and India parcels

Three people have been arrested following a Tauranga Crime Investigation Branch investigation into the alleged importation and distribution of opium after Customs intercepted 24kg of the class B controlled drug destined for the Western Bay of Plenty.

Police said the parcels, sent from the United Kingdom and India, were intercepted by Customs in Auckland between 1 June and 19 July before they reached their intended destination.

"Opium drug is highly addictive and can contain toxic chemicals which are seriously harmful to the body, affecting your brain, gut, liver, lungs, kidneys, skin, eyes and immune system,"  Detective Senior Sergeant Michael Varnam said.

"The importation and supply of opium is a concern for us, and we will continue to target the people behind it. Police are continuing to work with the impacted community," Detective Senior Sergeant Michael Varnam added.

Images released by Police appear to show a container labelled as Patanjali Pachak with tablets placed next to it.

Following further enquiries on Thursday and Friday last week, Police executed search warrants at 11 addresses in Tauranga, Papamoa, Ōmokoroa and Te Puke.

Photo: NZ Police

During the searches, Police seized a significant amount of opium, steroids, cash and electronic devices.

Two men, aged 31 and 36, have been charged with importing opium. One of them is facing a representative charge of importing 48kg over the past 12 months. A 38-year-old man has been charged with possession of prescription medication.

All three are due to appear in Tauranga District Court over the coming weeks.

Photo: NZ Police

Police said the arrests follow an earlier operation in April 2026, when officers executed a search warrant at a Tauranga address and located 24kg of opium. In that case, a 38-year-old has been charged with importing and is currently before the court.

Police said that, as the matter is before the courts, they could not make any further comment.