New Zealand authorities seized more than 3 tons of cocaine floating in the Pacific Ocean, the largest illegal drug shipment ever discovered in the country, DPA and Agerpres reported. More than $320 million worth of drugs should have reached Australia, police believe.

Police Commissioner Andrew Koster said the 3.2 tonnes found were valued at NZ$500 million (US$323 million).

The cocaine was left at a transit point in international waters, sailing for six days northeast of New Zealand.

“There is no doubt that this discovery will deal a serious financial blow to South American producers and even distributors of this product,” said the commissioner.

The cargo was supposed to arrive in Australia

Koster said the size of the shipment indicated the drugs were likely destined for Australia.

“We know that the distribution of any illicit drug causes great social harm, as well as negative health and financial consequences for communities, especially drug users and their families,” he said.

According to Koster, no arrests have been made yet, and the police are cooperating with international partners in the investigation.

Last big drug bust in 2022

Acting Comptroller of New Zealand Customs, Bill Perry, said the discovery was the result of cooperation between Customs and the New Zealand Police and Defense Force.

“This is a great illustration of how far organized crime goes in global drug trafficking operations and shows that we are not immune to drug smuggling attempts in this part of the world,” Perry said.

The largest drug seizure in New Zealand was in 2022, when 613 kilograms of methamphetamine was seized.