Photo: RNZ/Marika Khabazi
Two Chilean brothers were arrested at an Auckland hotel overnight after allegedly importing about 6 kilograms of cocaine into New Zealand last weekend.
The men, Patricio Andres Castillo Castro, 26, and his older brother, Fabian Alonso Castillo Castro, 34, are jointly charged with importing cocaine into New Zealand on June 21.
They are also charged with possessing cocaine for supply when they were arrested on Thursday night.
Both charges carry a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
Detective Inspector Tom Gollan said in a statement to RNZ the pair arrived in New Zealand last week.
The National Organised Crime Group had been carrying out inquiries this week.
"On Thursday, a search warrant was carried out in a central Auckland hotel room where the pair were staying.
"During the search warrant, around six kilograms of cocaine was located and seized."
Police are unable to comment further while the matter is before the Court.
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