Customs catches alleged drug courier with 14 kilograms of methamphetamine

The woman arrived in Auckland on a flight from Vancouver via Sydney last Wednesday (30 October 2024) and was referred to Customs for further questioning. Customs officers conducted a search of her baggage and found two sealed packages with crystal substances wrapped inside two towels, which border testing indicated was methamphetamine.

“Customs’ close collaboration with partner agencies and standard border risk assessment processes have led to this successful detection of a significant drug smuggling attempt. I commend our frontline officers and support teams, who all played their part to protect our borders,” says Customs Auckland Airport Manager Paul Williams.

“This is another case of transnational criminal syndicates targeting individuals and exploiting them for their own greed and gain. Our message to anyone who thinks this is easy money - don’t do it. Don’t be a pawn in their game. Your chances of making money balanced against your chances of getting caught mean the risk isn’t worth it,” Mr Williams said.

The woman, who was travelling on a Canadian passport, is charged with importing a Class A controlled drug and possession for supply of a Class A controlled drug. She has been remanded in custody to appear in Court again on 16 January 2025.

Fourteen kilograms of methamphetamine is estimated to produce up to 700,000 individual doses with a potential street value of up to NZ$5.25 million. This seizure is estimated to have stopped up to NZ$15.5 million harm to New Zealand communities and the economy.

Anyone with suspicions about possible smuggling should contact Customs confidentially on 0800 WE PROTECT (0800 937 768) or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.