Cocaine worth $3million is found washed up on popular tourist beach

More than $3million worth of cocaine wrapped in plastic washed up on a popular tourist beach, and police think there’s more to come.

New Zealand Police were called to Bethells Beach in Auckland on Wednesday evening when locals found the packages washed up on the beach.

Officers uncovered 19 packages that were tested and confirmed having cocaine.

Detective Inspector Colin Parmenter from Waitematä Police sad the amount of cocaine would have a street value of approximately $3million.

With the assistance of NZ Customs, police conducted a thorough search of the beach to try and find any further packages.

‘There is a small possibility that further packages may turn up on the beach and we ask any members of the public to contact us immediately if they do,’ Det Insp Parmenter said.

Each package was wrapped tightly in plastic and netting, and was approximately the size of a VHS tape.

It is believed the packages were in the ocean for a while as some of the netting was found to have shells caught in it.

Det Insp Parmenter said the police Eagle helicopter will be in the area on Thursday to conduct a wider search.

‘We will be sending regular patrols in the coming days to continue to check for further washed up items,’ he said.

Police investigation is continuing in an attempt to identify where the drugs have come from.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Waitematä Crime Squad on 09 839 0697 or anonymously call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.