Police and the New Zealand Air Force are intensifying efforts to locate a small boat missing off Northland’s east coast, reportedly carrying a staggering 700kg of methamphetamine.
The vessel, believed to be a 3.5-metre skiff with two people on board, was last sighted approximately 50km northwest of the Bay of Islands. Authorities are deeply concerned for the wellbeing of those on board, according to Detective Superintendent Greg Williams, director of the National Organised Crime Group.
Unsuccessful Rendezvous Attempts
Police revealed that two attempts by shore-based parties to rendezvous with the missing skiff were unsuccessful. These failed exchanges raise critical questions about the boat’s current location and condition, as well as the safety of its occupants.
This missing vessel is central to Operation Fantail, a comprehensive investigation targeting an alleged transnational organised crime syndicate. Authorities believe the group orchestrated the importation of methamphetamine into New Zealand by sea.
A String of Arrests
Operation Fantail has already led to significant breakthroughs. Ten individuals have been arrested across Northland and Auckland, facing charges that include conspiracy to import a class A drug and participation in an organised criminal group.
All suspects have appeared in court. Nine remain in custody, while one has been granted bail, with further court proceedings scheduled in the coming months.
Haul of Evidence
A series of 12 search warrants executed during the operation uncovered a haul of items believed to be linked to the alleged drug-importation scheme. These include:
- $130,000 in cash
- Two rifles
- Four handheld GPS units
- Two satellite phones
- A small quantity of class C controlled drugs
- Multiple cellphones
Detective Superintendent Williams described the evidence as critical to unravelling the scale and scope of the operation.
Transnational Crime Under the Microscope
Authorities have stated that the scale of the operation reflects the involvement of an international crime syndicate with sophisticated methods of smuggling drugs into New Zealand.
The ongoing search for the missing boat has now become a race against time, with the possibility of a major methamphetamine shipment either lost at sea or awaiting recovery.
Williams emphasised the significance of this investigation: “The operation underscores the determination of organised criminal groups to exploit New Zealand’s borders, and our commitment to ensuring they are held accountable.”
A Growing Challenge
The disappearance of the boat and the magnitude of the alleged drug haul underscore the challenges law enforcement faces in countering the influence of transnational crime groups. With New Zealand’s vast coastline and remote waters, smuggling by sea remains a persistent and evolving threat.
As authorities continue the search for the missing vessel and investigate the broader implications of Operation Fantail, this case highlights the vital work being done to protect New Zealanders from the impacts of organised crime and the scourge of methamphetamine.
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