Police and Customs have confirmed an investigation is under way after the seizure yesterday of a quantity of a substance believed to be cocaine.
The cocaine was located in a container at the Lyttelton Port Company depot in Woolston.
Police were alerted to the find at around 2.30pm yesterday afternoon [Monday 10 February]. The container was being shipped through the Port of Lyttelton.
Detective Senior Sergeant Tony Hill says the joint investigation is focusing on the movements of the container and its eventual destination.
"It has not been determined if the cocaine was for the domestic or international market," he says. "However, cocaine seizures are relatively uncommon in Canterbury."
Police are not releasing any further details on the cocaine or the container movements at this stage, as investigations are continuing.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Christchurch police on (03) 3637400. Information can also be provided anonymously to the organisation Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
ENDS