WELLINGTON: New Zealand authorities say they found about half a tonne of methamphetamine hidden inside a shipment of 60 electric motors from Thailand.
At 469 kilogrammes and valued at US$153 million, it is the largest ever seizure of the drug at New Zealand's border.
The drug was hidden in packages inside the motors.
Customs Investigations Manager Bruce Berry told The Associated Press on Friday they believe a sophisticated Canadian drug cartel is behind the shipment.
He said they have been tracking two Canadians for several months who they believe were sent separately to New Zealand to receive and sell the drugs.
Two Canadian men in their mid-20s and one New Zealand man have been arrested and charged with importing and possessing methamphetamine. They each face a maximum sentence of life imprisonment if convicted.
Berry said international criminal organisations are looking for new markets and New Zealand has proved attractive to them.