New Zealand Defence Force helps international naval coalition seize $300m worth of heroin in Western Indian ocean

A Royal New Zealand Air Force P-3K2 Orion flies past a boarding team as they conduct a flag verification boarding during an operation in the Western Indian Ocean. Photo / Royal Australian Navy

The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) was part of an international naval coalition that seized NZ$300 million of heroin from traffickers in the Western Indian Ocean.

Working on surveillance information from Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) aircraft the P-3K2 Orion, crew from Royal Australian Navy frigate HMAS Warramunga intercepted a fishing boat and discovered 915 kg of heroin on Wednesday.

The Orion had tracked the boat, which is believed to be bound for Africa, and stayed in the area while Warramunga's crew inspected it.

The narcotics were found stashed in the hold of the boat.

Two Royal New Zealand Navy sailors who were on exchange on the Australian boat then drove sea boats to transport Warramunga's boarding party and the seized heroin.

"This latest seizure is the product of the collaboration between the NZDF and the Australian Navy, and demonstrates the value of having a coalition of countries like the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) work together to promote maritime security," said Squadron Leader Adam O'Rourke of the NZDF's maritime surveillance detachment in the Middle East.

"One of the rewards of being part of this mission is knowing that the work of the team has a direct impact on illegal activity, by taking away terrorists' income streams.

It's great to know that our contribution makes a difference," O'Rourke said.

Between April and June 2017, tip-offs from a RNZAF Orion led the CMF to bust three vessels trafficking 650 kg of heroin worth about $400 million in the Indian Ocean.

"This latest seizure is a credit to both the NZDF and the Australian Navy and highlights the skill and professionalism of our personnel," Acting Commander Joint Forces New Zealand Air Commodore Kevin McEvoy said.

"More importantly, the fantastic result demonstrates how the NZDF directly supports the multinational effort to defeat terrorism and prevent drug trafficking through the CMF."

The CMF is a 32-nation naval partnership that promotes maritime security and seeks to defeat terrorism and prevent piracy and the trafficking of people and drugs across about 8.2 million square kilometres of international waters.