Final deportation closes chapter on $20 million cocaine smuggling case

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has deported the final offender connected to one of New Zealand’s largest-ever cocaine smuggling operations, formally closing a years‑long case that followed a major joint Police and Customs investigation.

The case involved an international syndicate that attempted to import approximately NZD $20 million worth of cocaine concealed within the hull of a container ship. Four foreign nationals were arrested in Tauranga in October 2017 and later sentenced in 2020 to lengthy prison terms.

Last weekend, INZ’s Compliance team deported a Croatian national convicted for his role in the transnational drug‑trafficking and money‑laundering syndicate. His removal marks the final step in INZ’s response to the case.

“This was a complex deportation operation that required extensive coordination across multiple agencies and international jurisdictions,” says Fadia Mudafar, National Manager Compliance. “Despite unexpected challenges, our teams worked closely with overseas partners to ensure this individual was successfully returned to Croatia.”

The deportation required careful planning due to a combination of diplomatic, security and medical complexities. With no Croatian Embassy in New Zealand, INZ worked with the Italian Embassy in Wellington to secure a European Union emergency travel document. Travel plans were further complicated by the evolving situation in the Middle East, requiring last‑minute route changes and multiple international transit approvals.

The 3 other offenders linked to the same operation, 2 Australian nationals and 1 Serbian national, were deported after completing their sentences in January 2023, September 2024 and November 2025 respectively.

“Deportation is a critical part of protecting New Zealand, ensuring that foreign nationals who commit serious crimes are removed once they have completed their sentences,” says Ms Mudafar. “Transnational criminal groups should expect immigration settings to be firmly enforced after sentencing, limiting their ability to operate in New Zealand.”

“This case shows how immigration action, alongside Police and Customs, plays an essential role in disrupting organised criminal activity.”

For further information email: media@mbie.govt.nz