In a major breakthrough against transnational organised crime, New Zealand Police say they have arrested 20 “corrupt baggage handlers” as part of a sweeping investigation into the large-scale importation of drugs through Auckland Airport. In total, 43 people have been arrested since the operation began in February, Michael Daly of Stuff has reported.
At a press briefing on Friday, Detective Inspector Tom Gollan said, “We will allege in court that this syndicate has operated with corrupt baggage handlers and local gangs to import massive amounts of drugs through the Auckland airport,” as quoted by Stuff
Gollan revealed the extent to which criminal networks had infiltrated airport operations, with officers finding large sums of cash during searches. "We're seizing shoe boxes at baggage handlers' addresses that are full with $200,000 in cash, and that kind of thing," he said. “So, that's some of the type of money that these boys are getting corrupted with,” Stuff has reported.
He added that with the current gang environment, syndicates were effectively hiring or renting out baggage handlers and taking a cut of the profits.
On Thursday, Police’s National Organised Crime Group and Customs executed 20 search warrants across Auckland as part of the fifth phase of Operation Matata. Eight associates of the Brotherhood 28 MC gang, including its president, were arrested, Michael Daly of Stuff has reported.
Authorities seized $50,000 in cash, jewellery, electronic devices, and multiple rounds of ammunition during the coordinated raids.
Police said those arrested on Thursday face 170 charges, including importing methamphetamine and cocaine, conspiracy to import, supply-related offences, and money laundering.
Since the investigation began, officers have intercepted 20 consignments of methamphetamine and cocaine, 630kg of meth and 112kg of cocaine. Gollan said the meth haul alone carried an estimated retail value of $220 million, while the cocaine was valued at another $50 million, as reported by Michael Daly of Stuff.
No baggage handlers were arrested in the latest phase, but Gollan described Thursday’s arrests as targeting facilitators and controllers “sitting over the top of the syndicate,” Stuff has reported.
Altogether, police have seized $800,000 in cash and laid 347 charges over the course of the operation.
Customs investigations manager Dominic Adams explained that the group used the internationally known “rip-on/rip-off” method. Criminal networks placed unaccompanied baggage on inbound flights for compromised airport workers to retrieve.
Adams said the tactic was used across multiple global supply routes, involving flights from Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Santiago, Honolulu, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New York, Stuff has reported.
He noted that criminal organisations aggressively target individuals positioned throughout supply chains. Exploitation often began with financial inducements or pressure to commit acts they would not otherwise undertake.
Calling the operation a major success, Adams said, “This operation represents one of the most significant breakthroughs against transnational crime in New Zealand in recent years,” as quoted by Stuff.
Police say investigations are ongoing, and more arrests have not been ruled out.