Twenty-four kilos of opium bound for Bay of Plenty intercepted by Customs

Three people have been arrested after 24 kilograms of opium destined for Western Bay of Plenty was intercepted by Customs.

Parcels containing the drug - sent from the UK and India - were intercepted in Auckland between 1 June and 19 July.

Police searched 11 properties in Tauranga, Papamoa, Ōmokoroa and Te Puke last week and seized a "significant amount" of opium, steroids, cash and electronic devices.

Two men aged 31 and 36 have been charged with importing opium. A third, aged 38, has been charged with possessing prescription medication.

All three are due to appear in Tauranga District Court over the coming weeks.

The latest arrests follow another case in April, when police found another 24kg of opium at Tauranga address. A 38-year-old has been charged with importing that drug and is currently before the court.