Operation Ocean Blue: Divers Seize 120kg of Cocaine Hidden in ‘Sea Chest’ of Ship in Tauranga
By Lions Roar News Investigative Desk
TAURANGA, NEW ZEALAND (January 7, 2026) — In a major blow to international drug trafficking syndicates, a joint task force led by New Zealand Police and Customs has intercepted a massive 120kg haul of cocaine at the Port of Tauranga.
The sophisticated smuggling attempt, dubbed ‘Operation Ocean Blue’, was thwarted after specialized divers discovered the illicit cargo hidden within the “sea chest” of a commercial vessel docked at the port.
🌊 The Discovery: A High-Risk Underwater Recovery
The operation highlights the increasingly complex methods being used by cartels to breach New Zealand’s borders.
- The Hiding Spot: The cocaine was concealed in a “sea chest”—an intake area located below the waterline of a ship’s hull, used for drawing in seawater for cooling or ballast.
- The Divers: Specialized police and customs divers conducted a high-stakes underwater search of the vessel following intelligence-led profiling of the ship’s route.
- The Cargo: Recovery teams pulled several waterproof packages from the hull, which were later confirmed to contain approximately 120kg of high-purity cocaine.
💰 Street Value and Impact
While the exact street value is still being calculated, a haul of this magnitude is estimated to be worth tens of millions of dollars on the New Zealand market.
“This is a significant seizure that prevents a substantial amount of social harm in our communities,” said a spokesperson for the investigation. “Operation Ocean Blue demonstrates that our reach extends beneath the surface of the water to protect our borders.”
Authorities believe the cocaine was destined for the domestic market, where prices remain some of the highest in the world, making New Zealand a lucrative target for international syndicates.
⚖️ The Ongoing Investigation
‘Operation Ocean Blue’ is far from over. Police and Customs are now working with international law enforcement agencies, including the DEA and Interpol, to trace the vessel’s point of origin and identify the criminal networks behind the shipment.
- No Immediate Arrests: While the ship has been searched and the cargo seized, authorities have not yet announced any arrests of crew members or local recipients.
- Ship Profile: The vessel had reportedly traveled through several high-risk transit zones in South America and the Pacific before arriving in Tauranga.
