New Zealand police seized 3.2 tonnes of cocaine floating in a remote part of the Pacific Ocean, authorities said. It is estimated that this amount exceeds the demand of the domestic market for over 30 years. This was one of the largest drug seizures in New Zealand’s history.
New Zealand authorities said an international drug smuggling syndicate left the goods at a floating transit point. The services managed to seize 3.2 tons of cocaine. While no arrests have yet been made, police say they have dealt a financial blow to everyone involved in the illegal trade, from South American drug makers to their distributors.
“This is one of the largest drug seizures by authorities in the country,” said New Zealand Police Chief Andrew Coster.
Tons of cocaine seized by New Zealand. Its amount exceeds the market demand in the country for over 30 yearsReuters
‘That’s more than New Zealand would use in 30 years’
Coster said the cocaine was intercepted by a navy ship that was sent to the area where the goods were floating. After being delivered to New Zealand, the drug was destroyed.
According to Coster, 3.2 tons of cocaine was worth over 300 million US dollars and was probably intended to end up in Australia.
“We believe this was enough cocaine to meet the needs of the Australian market for about one year and more than New Zealand would use in 30 years,” said a police official.
New Zealand. Police seized over 3 tons of cocaine floating in the Pacific OceanReuters
Main photo source: Reuters