A record-breaking 725kg of the drug was found at Port of Tauranga in 2022, with an estimated value of $253.75 million. Three men charged this week.

725kg of cocaine was imported into the Port of Tauranga via Panama on 25 February 2022
It was the single largest cocaine shipment to New Zealand, with a street value of more than $253 million
The haul was equivalent to 7,250,000 individual doses

Three people have been arrested and charged more than two years after the largest ever cocaine shipment was found on New Zealand shores. The trio have also been charged with importing 30kg of cocaine that arrived in Tauranga in December 2021, also from Panama.

Police launched Operation Bask following the discovery, and on Monday said they had arrested three people, all from Auckland. Two men, aged 27 and 35, and a 41-year-old woman are facing charges including importing cocaine, possessing cocaine for supply and participating in an organised crime group. They were both due to reappear in the Tauranga District Court on 3 October.

Cocaine use as per Q1 Report of Waste Water Studies

Cocaine is increasing in use in NZ and this is supported by the NZ waste water studies.

Cocaine use across sample sites continued to increase in Q1 2024 to an average of 3.3 kilograms per week. This remained above the average quantity consumed over the previous four quarters (52 percent or 1.1 kilograms above).
All districts recorded above average cocaine use.
Cocaine use across sample sites in Q1 2024 equates to an estimated weekly social harm cost of $990,651.

How can we manage risk from Cocaine at workplaces?

Having an effective drug and alcohol policy is the start, followed by an effective implementation to create deterrent to use of cocaine and other illegal drugs. Any workplace is a reflection of its society

Contact Advance Diagnostics to look at range of solutions which can be implemented to manage the risk. Advance Diagnostics provides innovative drug screening solutions –Druglizer with ability od data management through AlcoConnect.

We have manual tools like Drugwipes as used by Australian Police and others like Toxwipe and Oral Detect. All certified to AS/NZS4760:2019

Email: Sales@advancediagnostics.co.nz

Phone: 044796790

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