The yacht seized by New Zealand Customs after suspicions it was involved in a drug run from South America this year will be auctioned, Customs Minister Phillida Bunkle announced today.

In February the Customs Service confiscated a 13m ketch, the Bora Bora II in Northland. The yacht is believed to have been involved in the shipping of 500kgs of cocaine from South America, to Australia via New Zealand.

"The statutory time frames which allowed for the boat to be claimed, have expired with the result that the seizure has not been challenged. The Bora Bora II will now be auctioned in October," Phillida Bunkle said.

"The Bora Bora II will be shifted to the Viaduct Basin in Auckland next week for viewing."

The people apprehended by Australian police and customs in relation to the drug shipment are still before the courts.

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