Press Release – New Zealand PolicePhoto/SuppliedThree people have been arrested after an investigation by the Tauranga Crime Investigation Branch targeting the* *importation and distribution of opium. Police became involved after parcels containing 24kg of the class B controlled drug were intercepted by Customs between 1 June and 19 July. Following further enquiries on Thursday and Friday last week, Police executed search warrants at 11* *addresses in Tauranga, Papamoa, Ōmokoroa and Te Puke. This follows an arrest in April 2026, when Police executed a search warrant at a Tauranga address and located 24kg of opium. The importation and supply of opium is a concern for us, and we will continue to target the people behind it.