“Following further inquiries on Thursday and Friday last week, police executed search warrants at 11 addresses in Tauranga, Papamoa, Ōmokoroa and Te Puke,” Varnam said.
Police seized a “significant amount” of opium, steroids, cash and electronic devices.
“Two men, aged 31 and 36, have been charged with importing opium, one of whom is facing a representative charge of importing 48kg over the past 12 months, while a 38-year-old man has been charged with possession of prescription medication,” Varnam said.
He said all three men were due to appear in Tauranga District Court in the coming weeks.
Police became involved after parcels containing 24kg of the class B controlled drug were intercepted by Customs. Photo / NZ Police
This follows an April arrest, when police executed a search warrant at a Tauranga address and located 24kg of opium.
Varnam said in that case, a 38-year-old has been charged with importing and is currently before the court.
He said opium is highly addictive and can contain toxic chemicals which are seriously harmful to the body, affecting your brain, gut, liver, lungs, kidneys, skin, eyes and immune system.
“The importation and supply of opium is a concern for us, and we will continue to target the people behind it.”
As the matter is before the courts, police said they could not comment further.
Police said they are continuing to work with the impacted community.