New Zealand Police and Customs have carried out the latest phase of a long-running investigation into an alleged international drug-smuggling syndicate operating through Auckland International Airport.

On Thursday, 20 search warrants were executed across the Auckland region by the National Organised Crime Group and New Zealand Customs. Eight people associated with the Brotherhood 28 motorcycle club, including its president, were arrested.

The eight individuals now face a combined total of 347 charges, including participation in an organised criminal group, importing Class A controlled drugs (methamphetamine and cocaine), conspiracy to import, possession for supply, supplying controlled drugs, and money laundering.

During the searches, authorities seized NZ$50,000 in cash, ammunition, jewellery, and electronic devices. Across the entire operation, $800,000 in cash has been restrained.

Operation Matata, which began in February 2025, has so far resulted in:

• 43 arrests
• 72 search warrants executed
• 630 kg of methamphetamine seized (estimated street value $220.8 million)
• 112 kg of cocaine seized (estimated street value $50.4 million)
• Total estimated social harm prevented: approximately $732.9 million

Detective Inspector Tom Gollan stated that 20 of the 43 people arrested during the operation were baggage handlers employed by companies operating at the airport. None of the eight arrested on Thursday were baggage handlers; they are alleged to have been higher-level facilitators and organisers within the syndicate.

“Since Operation Selena in 2021, Police and Customs have worked with Auckland Airport to disrupt the flow of drugs being imported through the air border, facilitated by the corruption of baggage handlers,” Detective Inspector Gollan said. “This operation has routed out the organisers, facilitators and baggage handlers involved in this illegal operation.”

Customs Investigations Manager Dominic Adams described the arrests as evidence of coordinated action across multiple agencies.

“Those arrested have abused positions of trust to smuggle harmful drugs into our communities,” Mr Adams said. “Customs and Police will not tolerate this and will continue to pursue anyone who compromises the safety of our country and people.”

Auckland Airport’s Head of Terminal Operations, Richard Deihl, said the arrests highlighted ongoing collaboration between police, Customs, and airport stakeholders to counter drug trafficking.

The investigation has received assistance from international law-enforcement partners, which has also triggered related enforcement action in other countries.