The identities of two Fiji nationals charged in connection with the importation of $17 million worth of methamphetamine into Tauranga can be revealed.
Noa Grantham Turuva Kunaqoro, 30, ordinary seaman, and Taniela Delaisavui Molidegei, 32, able seaman, are charged with importing the Class A drug into New Zealand.
Court documents reveal the pair are charged with importing the drug on board the container ship Southern Moana, which Customs confirmed arrived at the Port of Tauranga from Fiji on November 18.
Kunaqoro is charged with importing about 14kg of P and Molidegei with importing about 1.05kg into the country.
The pair are also charged with possessing these amounts of the drug for supply.
The charges carry a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
Customs said the 34kg of methamphetamine seized is worth up to $17m.
The defendants, who appeared in Tauranga District Court on Wednesday, were both remanded in custody to next appear in the same court on December 12.
They are yet to plead.
