A 29-year-old Canadian woman was arrested at Auckland International Airport after customs officers found ‘the gift’ in a carry-on bag
An alleged Canadian drug smuggler tried to sneak over 10 kilograms of meth into New Zealand wrapped up as a Christmas present.
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On Sunday, a 29-year-old woman arrived at Auckland International on a flight out of Vancouver with a “Christmas gift” inside her carry-on duffle bag.
The New Zealand Customs Service said it is sending a “stern warning” to smugglers about trying to trick its officers during the busy travel season.
After being questioned by customs officials, a baggage search found an estimated 10.2 kilos of methamphetamine inside a festively wrapped package.
The customs service estimates that much meth would have been worth NZ$3.8 million (just over $3 million Cdn) on the street. The New Zealand service also estimates the “potential social harm” at NZ$10.4 million.
“This is a classic attempt by transnational organized criminal groups at trying to exploit the busy travel season,” said Auckland airport customs manager Paul Williams in a statement on Tuesday.
“But a busy airport does not mean customs is not focused on or paying attention to anyone who may pose a drug risk. The airport teams are made up of vigilant officers who are intently focused on catching those trying to bring harm to New Zealand.”
The service takes a “layered approach to protecting the border and every single passenger is risk assessed even before they arrive in New Zealand,” said Williams. “Criminal syndicates will use whatever tactics necessary to smuggle drugs, including manipulating people to do their bidding.”
The crime groups made the mistake of thinking customs “won’t chase smaller targets, but we know that drugs sent from North America are an increasing risk and we are prepared.”
He said New Zealand Customs has an excellent working relationship with its Canadian partners and works closely with them to stop drug couriers even before they board a flight.
The woman appeared in Manukau District Court on charges of importation and possession for supply of a controlled drug, and is in custody.