Drugs worth over $250,000 has been seized and a man at Omaui arrested, following a joint operation by NZ Police and Customs.

NZ Customs originally found 500 grams of methamphetamine concealed within a box of Lego from the USA.

The drugs are estimated to have a street value of between $250,000 and $300,000.

As part of the joint operation a search warrant was executed at a rural Omaui property on Monday night (18 July) supported by the Armed Offenders Squad. 

A 46 year old man was arrested and charged with Importing a Class A controlled drug.

Detective Sergeant Dave Kennelly of the Southland Police Organised Crime Group said the investigation is ongoing and he could not rule out further arrests and charges being filed.

Police continue to step-up enforcement and the disruption of unlawful gang activity across the country as part of Operation Cobalt, he said.

Information can be given to Police by contacting 111 if it is happening now and 105 after the fact, or you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online via www.crimestoppers-nz.org