A major international drug syndicate has been dismantled following a joint investigation by Police and Customs.

The operation targeted a Mexican crime group operating out of central Auckland, leading to the arrest of three Mexican nationals and the seizure of 180 kilograms of methamphetamine.

The investigation, known as Operation Fix, spanned three months and concluded with enforcement actions over the past fortnight.

On 26 July, Customs officers discovered approximately 175 kilograms of methamphetamine concealed in a shipment of scrap metal at the Port of Tauranga.

This shipment had arrived from Mexico.

The operation intensified on Monday when Customs alerted Police, resulting in the arrest of a 32-year-old man at Auckland Airport.

This arrest led to further search warrants at hotel rooms and Airbnb units in Auckland's CBD, uncovering an additional five kilograms of methamphetamine.

Detective Inspector Tom Gollan reported that the seized methamphetamine is estimated to have a retail value of around $63 million.

The three men, aged 23, 27, and 32, are facing serious charges, including participation in an organised criminal group, importation, possession, and supply of methamphetamine.

Customs Investigations Manager Dominic Adams praised the operation as a significant success in preventing major criminal activity and protecting communities.

This marks the twenty-seventh transnational crime cell disrupted by the National Organised Crime Group and Customs in the past seven years.

Further investigations are underway to determine any connections to specific Mexican cartels.