Two men will spend a total of more than 25 years behind bars, for their part in a multi-million dollar drug syndicate.

The pair were recruited as 'drug catchers' in Asia and sent to Auckland to help importation of methamphetamine into the New Zealand market.

An investigation into them began after nearly $40 million worth of the drug was found in a shipment from China last February.

It ended with several raids on Auckland properties, the discovery of millions of dollars, and the seizure of several luxury cars.

On Thursday, Taiwan national Tze Te Hung was sentenced at Auckland's High Court to 13 years and 9 months for his role in importing the drug.

Yen Hua Chen has been sentenced to 12 years and six months.